More than 80 changes have been dropped into the \u00a37bn scheme as it heads towards a Development Consent Order, with fresh stations, new entrances and a completely reworked service pattern forming the spine of the overhaul.<\/p>\n
The biggest step-change in the design rethink hits the Marston Vale Line. Now nine tired stations will be replaced by four larger modern stations. Stewartby gets a new station designed to funnel visitors into Universal Studios\u2019 proposed theme park.<\/p>\n \u2022 Cambridge East \u2013 brand-new station near Cambridge Airport added to project scope; construction depends on third-party funding. Cambridge gets a big expansion with a brand-new Cambridge East station near the city airport. This has now been written into the scope \u2014 subject to external funding \u2014 easing pressure on the packed central station and opening up new growth areas to rail.<\/p>\n The existing main station will also get a long-awaited eastern entrance.<\/p>\n Bletchley is in line for an eastern entrance too, pending funding, to finally bring the station into cleaner alignment with the town centre and bus interchange.<\/p>\n In Oxford, design tweaks support the reinstatement of the Cowley Branch Line, unlocking capacity at Oxford station and allowing East West Rail to run its full timetable across the route.<\/p>\n Further east, planners inserted a southern entrance at the planned Tempsford station linking into the government-backed new town plans. Ministers have ordered EWR Co and Network Rail to fast-track the East Coast Main Line phase to keep pace with looming development pressures.<\/p>\n Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: \u201cEast West Rail is more than a railway \u2013 it\u2019s a catalyst for growth, more jobs and opportunity, and this project will make rail travel faster, greener and more reliable for millions of passengers.<\/p>\n \u201cBy investing in modern infrastructure, we\u2019re laying the foundations for long-term prosperity in one of the UK\u2019s most dynamic regions while ensuring that the UK has a rail network passengers can be proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n Another round of consultation will take place in the New Year before the project heads towards a full DCO submission next spring or summer.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"-\"](\"https:\/\/www.constructionenquirer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/East-West-Rail-Route-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nNew and updated stations<\/h3>\n
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\u2022 Cambourne (EWR) \u2013 remains the planned western Cambridge station; unchanged but now part of a five-station Cambridge network.
\u2022 Stewartby (new) \u2013 new Marston Vale Line station positioned to serve Universal Studios\u2019 proposed resort.
\u2022 Three further consolidated Marston Vale stations \u2013 Woburn Sands, Ridgmont, Lidlington \u2013 replace nine existing low-use stops.
\u2022 Tempsford (new) \u2013 new station between Bedford and Cambridge with added southern entrance to link into government-backed new town plans; East Coast Main Line phase to be fast-tracked.
\u2022 Cambridge station eastern entrance \u2013 new entrance planned with active travel hub, extra gate line and improved cycling\/walking connections.
\u2022 Bletchley station eastern entrance \u2013 proposed new entrance offering better town-centre access; dependent on third-party funding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n