Embankments and viaducts across the East West Rail route

Following the 2021 non-statutory consultation, we have been  working to reduce the height of the proposed embankments and bridges/viaducts and remove them altogether where possible.

During the 2021 non-statutory consultation,  we presented outline details about where the new railway might need to be in a cutting or  on an embankment or passing over a bridge or viaduct. In the early stages of planning,  much of the route was designed to be on  embankments with bridges or viaducts to cross over roads and other infrastructure. 

Our work to date has removed or reduced the height of embankments and viaducts for   over half the route between Bedford and Cambridge compared to what was shown in the 2021 consultation. 

For example:

• From Cambourne to south of Toft and Comberton, the majority of the route has been lowered from being on  embankments and bridges to being at ground level or in cuttings.
• Further south, the railway is now proposed to pass under Harlton Road, instead of over it, before entering a tunnel  beneath Chapel Hill.
• We are proposing tunnels beneath Bourn  Airfield near Cambourne, and Chapel Hillnear Haslingfield.

As the proposals progress, we will continue to  refine our design to minimise potential impacts whilst maintaining our requirements.

Illustration showing how lowering the route to pass under rather than over a road can reduce visual impacts.