A key milestone for Connection Stage One of the East West Rail route has been reached this week after a test train successfully completed its first run between Oxford and Milton Keynes.
Network Rail worked with its partners at Chiltern Railways to operate the first train over the newly rebuilt section of the line between Bicester and Bletchley as part of testing on the route. This work brings the rail line a step closer to reopening to passengers for the first time in nearly 60 years.
Departing from Oxford station at 9.43am, a Chiltern Class 168 train made a full journey along the line, travelling via Bicester, Winslow and Bletchley before arriving at Milton Keynes Central at 10.25am. The journey along the entire route took 42 minutes to complete, with the train reaching the full line speed of 100mph on several sections of line.
Connecting communities
The event not only marks the first time a train was able to use this section of the new railway line, but also a major stage of the East West Rail project which is planning to deliver transport connections for communities between Oxford and Cambridge.
Connection Stage One of the project includes the introduction of services from Oxford to Bletchley and Milton Keynes with the aim of the first passenger services starting in 2025. Services will better connect passengers and will have the potential to help unlock economic growth and create new opportunities across the region.
Looking ahead
Chiltern Railways is supporting both Network Rail and the East West Rail Alliance which is a partnership between AtkinsRéalis, Laing O'Rourke, VolkerRail, and Network Rail, by running test trains as part of technical preparations to open the line.
Testing and training will now take place over the coming months and the project remains on track to begin passenger services in 2025. Further test runs, supported by Chiltern Railways, will continue to ensure the safety and reliability of the new infrastructure.