East - West Rail update (Oxford to Bedford) - ongoing discussion

[whole diary]

[IndustryInsider]

Lets not get all picky about wording in a press release, the words in it will have passed through the bladders of a couple of PR^▸ (Public Relations) types in the ministry and of the jurno and editor of the paper so will be quite diluted as a result; the good news is the scheme is moving forward   

Indeed

I seriously doubt they'll get much input if they're not stumping up the cash, do you?

THey don't mean 'meets the East West line' - that's the line they are talking about. They mean the north-south line?. And if you are right - then its a rebuild, not 'new'

They will have had plenty of input, or at least the opportunity for input, in the years up until now though - and in the case of the Oxford to Bedford link which is already signed, sealed and about to be delivered, there's not a great deal of ongoing influence they could have for the bit in Oxford that should concern them most.

As for rebuild/new, well the former station site is around 1/4 of a mile from the current Bedford St. Johns halt, so I guess it would be a 'new' station if built on the former station's location?  The old land is all still available, though whether it will be deemed necessary given the likely sensible routing of all trains to Bedford Midland for interchanges (as I mentioned) is another matter.  They might be talking about HS2^▸ (The next High Speed line(s)) as well though of course - in which case that was a clear editorial mistake, as the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) have made no mention of interchanges with that and East-West Rail, other than a possible link line between the two for maintenance purposes and possibly freight.

[ChrisB]

I reserve the right to be 'picky' when the English used is poor. Journalism standards are falling!

Yes, if they move the station to the old site & build new, I agree. I suspect you may be right about confusing HS2^▸ (The next High Speed line(s)) with EastWest.

[IndustryInsider]

Initial survey work about to start between Biceter and Bletchley.  I suspect campaigners will be busy buying up bats at the local pet shop to plant at various points on the route... 

http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/news/vegetation-clearance-work-start-onmothballed-railway-line

[Electric train]

Initial survey work about to start between Biceter and Bletchley.  I suspect campaigners will be busy buying up bats at the local pet shop to plant at various points on the route... 

http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/news/vegetation-clearance-work-start-onmothballed-railway-line

Needs to be done before the "nesting bird" season starts 1st March through to 31st July although it can extend outside of these dates so I guess they will be keen to go through to create disturbance so the birds flock off somewhere else to nest

[chuffed]

Can the imported newts flock off somewhere else too ??

[Cheltenham Kingham Rail]

http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/News/East-West-Rail-linking-Bedford-to-Oxford-wont-be-ready-by-target-date-of-2017-20140401160000.htm

[Electric train]

Cheltenham Kingham Rail is spamming the site to further their own ends, not seen a intro post to explain who they are its obvious what they want ............. free advertising.

I do welcome groups / individuals who want to build / re-open railways, a hello we are would be nice

[grahame]

March 2015 - EastWest Rail Project Progress -

http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/sites/default/files/east-west-rail-newsletter-march-2015.pdf

Highlights
Oxford to Bicester Town
^ Oxford Parkway station now weatherproof
^ Tracks laid
^ Bridges constructed

Bicester Town to Bletchley, Claydon Junction to Princes Risborough
^ Initial consultation on crossings complete
^ Ground investigation workunderway
^ Survey work continues

Bletchley to Bedford
^ Crossings and Rights of Way consultation planned

[IndustryInsider]

As referenced in a post of mine earlier today, there's a public consultation now open for the next month or so regarding the East West Rail Western Section Phase 2.  This concerns the rebuilding of the line from Gavray Juntion, Bicester and Aylesbury, via a new station at Winslow, through to Bletchley (with trains continuing on to Milton Keynes or Bedford).  The online part of it can be accessed here:

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/east-west-rail/

[IndustryInsider]

Mixed signals for the East-West Rail scheme Phase 2 today.  There were reports that it would be delayed until CP6^▸ (Control Period 6 - The five year period between 2019 and 2024) with Bedford to Oxford being rescheduled for completion in 2022; Aylesbury to Milton Keynes in 2024; and enhancements to the line between Aylesbury and Princes Risborough in 2026.

The Hendy Report states that 'East West Rail Phase 2 (subject to design work, delivery will be started as soon as possible)' and that significant work will be completed in CP5^▸ (Control Period 5 - the five year period between 2014 and 2019) but that it will straddle into CP6 with Oxford to Bedford electrification will now be done in CP6.  I wonder if that means the dates above will be correct or it will in fact be sooner?

I guess we'll have to wait until the updated draft Enhancement Delivery Plan is published early next month.

[IndustryInsider]

Another round of consultations is now ongoing regarding East-West Rail.
 
http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/2017/07/07/make-voice-heard-chairman-encourages-public-take-part-consultation/

http://ewrconsultation.co.uk/

The website above is an excellent one, with a clickable map linking to detailed plans and artists impressions of all the new or rebuilt stations as well as lots of other details.

[ChrisB]

Its so good that unless you have specific questions arising after viewing the maps in detail, there is little point in attending the public sessions. All they have there, other than pax to answer queries, are Ipads linking to those webpages. And print-outs of same

[Richard Fairhurst]

All done with OpenStreetMap and the superb Mapbox GL library too - I definitely approve!

[SandTEngineer]

At last some progress (and looks as though NR^» (Network Rail - home page) won't be responsible for most of it): https://www.globalrailnews.com/2017/12/14/east-west-railway-company-launched-to-restore-oxford-cambridge-rail-link/

East West Railway Company launched to restore Oxford-Cambridge rail link

The restoration of a railway between two of the UK^▸ (United Kingdom)’s academic powerhouses has come a step closer.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling has officially launched the East West Railway Company (EWRC), which will oversee the reconstruction of a rail link – dubbed the Silicon Valley line – between Oxford and Cambridge.

The launch, on December 14, was almost 50 years to the day since the closure of the old Varsity line.

The UK’s Department for Transport said that East West Rail will be one of the country’s most strategically important rail projects when it is completed in the mid-2020s.

The new line will also create a direct link between East Anglia and central and southern England, delivering benefits for passengers and businesses regionally and nationally by unlocking additional housing and economic growth.

When the line opens, it will have interchange stations with four main railway lines radiating out of London, but it will run under or over each, minimising any risk of delay. The aim is to build a route that allows future upgrades to be incorporated with as little disruption as possible

Chris Grayling said that the line is “the perfect example of how we can revitalise the railways, grow the network and unlock jobs and housing growth.”

EWRC interim chair Rob Brighouse added: “This railway has huge potential to spread prosperity all the way along the line, making life better for those who live and work here.

“That’s why it’s so important to deliver it quickly and cost effectively; and that’s what the East West Railway Company has been set up to do. We are working very closely with local representatives, to make sure we build a railway that works for the passengers and the communities it will serve.”

[IndustryInsider]

Transport & Works Act Order application made today:

https://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/2018/07/27/network-rail-applies-for-transport-and-works-act-order-for-east-west-rail/