Network Rail submits final proposals for East West Rail phase 2

For the first time in over 50 years passengers could soon travel directly between Oxford and Bedford, and Milton Keynes and Aylesbury, unlocking the region’s housing potential and transforming the lives of residents for generations to come as the East West Rail project moves a step closer today (27 July).A ‘mothballed’ section of the railway between Bletchley and Claydon Junction could be brought back to life, with plans for major signalling and track upgrades set to connect communities and businesses along the route and beyond, creating new opportunities for jobs, housing and economic growth for the future.Work could begin as early as next year if Network Rail plans submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport to construct phase 2 of the project between Bicester and Bedford are approved.The East West Rail project is being built progressively in phases, and once complete will create a world class rail link connecting Oxford, Bicester, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge, connecting communities and businesses to create more jobs, more economic growth, and more sustainable housing.With phase 1 between Oxford and Bicester already complete, phase 2 proposes major track and signalling upgrades between Bicester, Bedford, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes, including the reinstatement of a ‘mothballed’ section of railway between Bletchley and Claydon Junction.The proposed works will see major improvements to local travel, with the phased introduction of new rail journeys between:• Oxford and Milton Keynes, with trains stopping at Oxford Parkway, Bicester, Winslow and Bletchley• Oxford and Bedford, with trains stopping at Oxford Parkway, Bicester, Winslow, Bletchley, Woburn Sands and Ridgmont• Milton Keynes and Aylesbury, with trains stopping at Bletchley, Winslow and Aylesbury Vale ParkwayConstruction of phase 2 is subject to permission through a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO), which if granted by government could allow major works to begin as soon as 2019.