The Government has announced its preferred route for the central section of East-West Rail, which could see a massive boost for local transport across the Oxford – Cambridge Arc.

Following consultation last year, the preferred route ‘E’ could see the new rail line run from Bedford Midland, a new station between Sandy and St Neots, a new station at Cambourne and Cambridge station.

The consultation will lead to the Government making a final decision on whether to take this project forward

Paul Maynard, the Minister responsible for East-West Rail, and Minister George Freeman, both welcomed progress on the vital project.

The East-West Rail Company will now take forward work to develop more detailed route alignment proposals.

What did the officials say?

Minister for Future of Transport George Freeman said:

“East-West Rail has the potential to improve rail links to support opportunities for new housing, reduce congestion and pollution and unlock the economic potential across the region.

“By boosting rail connectivity we can improve access to economic opportunities for people in this area, and boost the quality of life in this vital Arc.”

Minister for East-West Rail Paul Maynard said:

“East West Rail could help us revolutionise transport in the Oxford-Cambridge arc, increasing people’s access to job opportunities while making travel quicker, cheaper and easier.

“Today’s announcement, following our £500m fund to bring back lines and stations lost during closures in the 1960s, shows we’re backing up our commitment to improving access to opportunities across the country.”

Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:

“Today’s announcement is great news for the region. These plans could see significant improvements to transport links across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, one of the most exciting economic growth opportunities in Europe, while also potentially helping us to deliver the homes that people need.

“I want to make sure that any of these new homes are built to a high standard and all future development in the area is well designed, beautiful, environmentally friendly and embrace the latest technologies. These communities will be world class and a blueprint for forward looking design across the country.”

Housing Minister Rt Hon Esther McVey MP said:

“Today’s announcement could further boost jobs, growth and opportunities across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, where so many of the greatest innovations in the world come from.

“We know we need to build more houses so this generation has somewhere to call their own – that’s why we will continue to support projects nationwide as we make strides towards our target of delivering at least one million much-needed new homes over the next five years.”

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