East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has announced details of its last route-wide consultation on the latest designs for the project which will link Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.    

The eight-week consultation will run from 14 April to 9 June 2026, offering communities along the route a vital opportunity to have their say on the latest plans and help shape the final design of the railway before a Development Consent Order is submitted in 2027.   

The consultation will provide latest designs and information on East West Rail, including:   

A series of public drop-in events are being held across the route to provide opportunities to talk with experts from EWR Co to find out more about the updated proposals, ask questions and submit feedback.  

These include some weekend dates and online events, to widen opportunities for people to attend. A Virtual Consultation Room will also be available, where all the information shown at the public events can be accessed online in a virtual room.  

For those unable to attend in person, all consultation materials will be available online, with multiple ways to provide feedback.   

While this is the last route-wide consultation, EWR Co will be continuing to engage with communities as the design is finalised ahead of DCO submission.    

David Hughes, CEO, EWR Co, said: "This consultation marks a major milestone for East West Rail as we move closer to delivering a once-in-a-generation project that will transform connectivity across the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor. East West Rail is about far more than a new railway — it’s about unlocking opportunities for people and places, supporting new homes and jobs, and making it easier, faster and greener to travel between some of the UK’s most dynamic destinations.  

“We’ve listened carefully to feedback to shape these latest designs, which include plans to deliver benefits earlier through phased construction, improve accessibility, and support our net zero ambitions through innovative, lower-carbon technology.  

“I’d strongly encourage everyone along the route to take part in our last consultation. Your views are vital in helping us refine our plans and ensure East West Rail delivers lasting benefits for communities, businesses and the wider region for generations to come." 

For more information about the consultation and how to get involved, please visit the consultation page, contact EWR Co’s helpdesk at [email protected] or call 0330 134 0067. 

 Feedback must be received by 23:59 on 9 June 2026.     

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Consultation Timeline & Process  

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About the East West Rail Project    

The East West Rail Project is a once in a generation opportunity to connect people and businesses between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge through a new direct rail line. It is a railway with community at its heart that will open up new journeys, cut travel times, and ease congestion on local roads. The route will connect people to the things and places that matter, bringing local benefit and sustainable growth by unlocking the social and economic potential of the area.          

The East West Rail Project will be delivered in different phases. Network Rail was responsible for developing the first part of the first phase between Oxford and Milton Keynes, connecting Oxford with Bicester before the East West Rail Company (EWR co) was set up. Between 2018 and 2024, EWR Co and Network Rail partnered in a construction alliance, East West Rail Alliance, to complete the infrastructure to Bletchley. Chiltern Railways has taken over as the operator of this section and are working to start passenger services as soon as possible.      

To deliver the railway onwards from Bletchley to Bedford and Cambridge, a new railway needs to be constructed between Bedford and Cambridge, and associated works are needed between Oxford and Bedford to upgrade and refurbish the existing railway infrastructure. EWR Co proposes to make an application to the Secretary of State for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to permit the construction and operation of these works.