Monday, 21st October was a cause for celebration on the East West Rail project that will ultimately link Oxford and Cambridge by rail when the first train successfully completed a test run between Oxford and Milton Keynes.
The train was run as part of testing that the route is fit for purpose and was operated by Network Rail and its partners at Chiltern Railways.
The section of line between Bicester and Bletchley has been newly constructed, and the successful running of the train brings the route closer to reopening for passengers after being closed nearly 60 years ago.
A Chiltern Class 168 was used as the test train. It departed from Oxford station at 9.43 am, and at Bicester, it joined the newly constructed section of the line and travelled via Winslow and Bletchley to Milton Keynes Central on the West Coast Main Line where it arrived at 10.25 am.
Several times during the test run, the train reached the full line speed of 100mph.
“Today is a huge milestone for the East West Rail project. I am incredibly proud of the partnership between Network Rail, our East West Rail Alliance supply chain partners, the DfT, EWR Company and Chiltern Railways, in successfully completing the construction and entry into service of the new railway between Bicester and Bletchley.
Christian Irwin, Network Rail’s Director of Capital Delivery
“The running of our first test train today is a huge achievement and brings us one step closer to restoring train services between Oxford and Milton Keynes for passengers.”
“I am delighted that Chiltern will be running the first series of test trains between Oxford and Milton Keynes.”
Rianna Stanwell, Programme Director at Chiltern Railways
“Working with colleagues at Network Rail and the EWR Alliance this important step in the programme will ensure the infrastructure is ready for passenger service in the future.”
“This is a fantastic achievement and an extremely proud moment for everyone here at East West Rail.
David Hughes, CEO of East West Railway Company
“I would like to thank all our colleagues at the East West Rail Alliance who have worked so hard to rebuild this railway and in particular, our local communities for their continued patience and understanding during the construction works.
“We can all now look forward to passenger services beginning next year and delivering the improved connectivity which this region so desperately needs.”
Responses
The Bedford-Cambridge section should be given the go ahead and new railway stations to be added including at Tempsford and Cambourne. And the new Cambridge South station that is set to open sometime next year.
The opportunity should have been taken to announce exactly when passenger services will start. Saying ‘next year’ is simply not good enough.
Good to know that there is still money available for projects south of Birmingham.