Report: The Case for East West Rail, Western Section Phase 2

The Department for Transport and East West Railway Company have published a report putting forward the case for Phase 2 of the Western Section from Bicester to Bedford. 

The report, titled 'The Case for East West Rail, Western Section Phase 2', highlights that East West Rail Phase 2 will provide local communities with major transport, lifestyle and economic benefits, including:

• significant travel time savings
• less pressure on major roads
• reduced emissions
• better access to jobs and labour markets

The report's publication follows East West Rail Alliance's work over the summer where they undertook enabling works on East West Rail Phase 2, using Network Rail's existing powers. Subject to necessary consents, major construction activities are expected to start in late 2019, with the first services from Oxford to Bedford expected to enter operation in 2023. 

You can read the report here, or learn more about the Western Section on our dedicated project page.