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

[whole diary]

[ChrisB]

There's also been a report produced today on the unofficial consultation that they held at the start of the year.

Found here, it covers all the items that were consulted on, including the closure of the Bicester London Road level crossing.

This got media coverage too
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp853jxydg3o

Other media on the union dispute -
https://www.railmagazine.com/news/chiltern-confirms-driver-only-operation-on-east-west-rail

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/nov/19/launch-east-west-rail-services-delayed-row-guards-trains?utm_term=691d7649df84b608a3bc0e643f36b9cb&utm_campaign=BusinessToday&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=bustoday_email

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c364g92ygggo

Chiltern put out a catch-up email to stakeholders announcing officially that there are to be no services started in 2025 & that they are still working to find a solution

[Chris from Nailsea]

Thank you for your detailed and well-referenced post here, ChrisB.

[grahame]

I don't think we've had any recent or detailed discussion on the Coffee Shop forum, but from the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

What do we know about Universal Studios' Bedfordshire plans?

A major traffic for East-West rail via the Marston Vale line - from the BBC

Universal Studios' UK^▸ (United Kingdom) theme park was given the green light this week, a decision creating buzz for families up and down the country who might one day want to go.

After months of discussions, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed gave planning permission for the park to be constructed in Kempston Hardwick, close to Bedford.

This isn't just another attraction - it's an attempt by the US entertainment giant to build one of the biggest theme parks in the world.

Universal mentioned in planning documents that a country like the UK should have at least two global theme parks, and this project was described as a "generational opportunity".

But can Universal pull off something of quite this scale, going up against the likes of Disneyland Paris? As BBC News heard from locals, it might be a tall order - and not everyone is happy.

[TonyK]

A major traffic for East-West rail via the Marston Vale line - from the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page)

Universal Studios' UK^▸ (United Kingdom) theme park was given the green light this week, a decision creating buzz for families up and down the country who might one day want to go.

After months of discussions, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed gave planning permission for the park to be constructed in Kempston Hardwick, close to Bedford.

This isn't just another attraction - it's an attempt by the US entertainment giant to build one of the biggest theme parks in the world.

Universal mentioned in planning documents that a country like the UK should have at least two global theme parks, and this project was described as a "generational opportunity".

But can Universal pull off something of quite this scale, going up against the likes of Disneyland Paris? As BBC News heard from locals, it might be a tall order - and not everyone is happy.

Years ago, we took our kids (youngest now 40) the the Disney park outside Paris. We They had an excellent time on the many rides. One ride we didn't do was train to the place, but there was a station within the grounds with RER, local rail, and Eurostar services. If this is going to be bigger than that, someone should start drawing up timetables from all directions now.

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Prep starts to replace bridge for East West Rail

[Image from here is not available to guests]
Network Rail said a new bridge was needed because the current structure is now at the end of its life

A road will be closed for a week to allow for preparation work on a railway bridge which will later be rebuilt for East West Rail.

Saxon Street (B4034) in Bletchley will close from 07:00 GMT on 12 January until late afternoon on 18 January.

During this period, rail engineers will carry out ground investigation surveys and vegetation clearance needed ahead of major work to replace the bridge.

Edmund Waddelove, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said it was "vital work.. needed to keep it (the bridge) safe and reliable for many years to come."

[Image from here is not available to guests]
Network Rail said the new bridge would be able to accommodate two tracks and freight trains

Surveys on the 1970s-built bridge are needed to help engineers finalise designs for a replacement structure.

The new bridge is needed because the current one is now at the end of its life, said a spokesperson for Network Rail.

In addition, the current bridge is single track and the new bridge will be wide enough to accommodate two tracks as well as freight trains.

During the road closure, a clearly signposted diversion will be in place.

Access for pedestrians and cyclists will also remain open throughout the project's duration.

[Image from here is not available to guests]
Saxon Street will be closed during the work between Watling Street and Princes Way in Bletchley

Waddelove thanked road users and business owners in advance for their patience while the survey work would be carried out.

He added: "The bridge provides an important rail connection for future passenger and freight services running on the new East West Rail route."

Network Rail and its East West Rail Alliance partners have written to locals about the road closure and are working closely with Milton Keynes City Council.

During the closure new road markings and lines will be painted on Saxon Street.

Once completed, East West Rail will connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.

[Mark A]

Article in the Times newspaper.

"We live three minutes from the station — and can’t catch a train"

(The station in question: Wilmslow)

Mark

(Paywalled) https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/east-west-rail-winslow-oxford-milton-keynes-002w6bkmq

[Chris from Nailsea]

Years ago, we took our kids (youngest now 40) the the Disney park outside Paris. We They had an excellent time on the many rides. One ride we didn't do was train to the place ...

Many years ago, we (my wife and I) took our then young child to the Disney Park, outside Paris, for a few days.  We also took a train into Paris itself from there, so we could go up the eye-full tower. I remember that all of the French railway staff were very helpful - and remarkably fluent in English, if the need arose. 

[IndustryInsider]

Article in the Times newspaper.

"We live three minutes from the station — and can’t catch a train"

(The station in question: Wilmslow)

(Paywalled) https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/east-west-rail-winslow-oxford-milton-keynes-002w6bkmq

It's becoming quite an embarrassment, and highlights all the worst aspects of the railway industry as present.

However, that will all soon be forgotten when passenger services do start running and IMHO^▸ ('in my humble opinion') it will be extremely successful, even more so when the Cambridge link is added.  And of course freight has been running along it for over a year so it has already proven useful as a piece of new infrastructure.

[JayMac]

Article in the Times newspaper.

"We live three minutes from the station — and can’t catch a train"

(The station in question: Wilmslow)

Why can't they use Wilmslow?

[Chris from Nailsea]

It's behind a paywall. 

[TaplowGreen]

Article in the Times newspaper.

"We live three minutes from the station — and can’t catch a train"

(The station in question: Wilmslow)

Why can't they use Wilmslow?

Winslow?

[Mark A]

Oops, yes, Winslow.

Mark

[ChrisB]

Article in the Times newspaper.

"We live three minutes from the station — and can’t catch a train"

(The station in question: Wilmslow)

Mark

(Paywalled) https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/east-west-rail-winslow-oxford-milton-keynes-002w6bkmq

If anyone is slooking for it in print, it's in today's Sunday Times, p17.