Marston Vale Acceleration Programme
A programme of work is now underway to upgrade the infrastructure along the Marston Vale line between Bletchley and Bedford. For updates on the specific timetable for this programme, please follow the East West Rail social media accounts or download the East West Rail Marston Vale App. Below is a guide to explain what the works are and why they are taking place and how they fit into the wider East West Rail project.
- Replacement of the Saxon Street bridge in Bletchley
- Construction of a new road overbridge at Marston Road, Lidlington
- Construction of a new footbridge at Woburn Road
- Closure of eight level crossings, together with associated traffic diversions
The Marston Vale Acceleration Programme is a package of preparatory works being delivered on the existing Marston Vale railway line between Bletchley and Bedford. The programme is being carried out under the East West Rail Bicester to Bedford Transport and Works Act Order, which was granted in 2020. This is the same legislation which granted powers to rebuild the section of line between Bicester and Bletchley. These works are separate from the wider East West Rail proposals for the whole route, which were consulted on as part of our route-wide consultation which took place earlier this year and will form part of our Development Consent Order application.
The Marston Vale Acceleration Programme includes:
These works are focused on improving the existing railway infrastructure and preparing the route for future rail services.
The programme is being delivered by the East West Rail Alliance. The East West Rail Alliance is a partnership between Network Rail, AtkinsRéalis, Laing O'Rourke and VolkerRail. The 2020 Transport and Works Act Order authorises Network Rail to carry out upgrades to the existing Marston Vale Line between Bletchley and Bedford.
The work is being undertaken to prepare the Marston Vale Line for future service improvements and upgrades. Completing these preparatory works will help enable East West Rail's wider plans for the line, subject to the necessary consents being obtained. The programme will improve the railway's infrastructure and support the safe and efficient operation of future rail services.
For updates on the specific timetable for this programme, please follow the East West Rail social media accounts or download the East West Rail Marston Vale App by scanning the QR code.
The Marston Vale Acceleration Programme is one part of the wider East West Rail programme. Once wider upgrades are completed, and subject to a successful Development Consent Order application, East West Rail plans to upgrade and electrify the Marston Vale Line.
This programme includes enabling up to four trains per hour to operate between Oxford and Stewartby in the early 2030s, the construction of new accessible stations, and improvements to Bletchley station. A new station at Stewartby is also planned to serve the Universal Entertainment Resort Complex. Accelerating these initial works could support the introduction of rail services within the first few years of the resort opening, helping meet anticipated passenger demand.
Construction of a new road overbridge at Marston Road, Lidlington
When full East West Rail services begin operating, trains will pass through Lidlington more frequently, resulting in longer barrier down times at the existing Marston Road level crossing. To maintain safety for all road users and support the safe operation of the railway, the level crossing will be permanently closed.
To maintain connectivity for the local community, a new road bridge is being built over the railway. The bridge will provide a safe and reliable route across the railway for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring people can continue to travel through the area once the level crossing closes. This work forms part of wider improvements to the Marston Vale Line ahead of the introduction of East West Rail services.
Construction of the road bridge will begin in Spring 2027 and will last for 20 months. During this time Marston Road will be closed to through traffic and a diversion route will be in place. East West Rail Company and the East West Rail Alliance is working closely with the local community and stakeholders to mitigate disruption before the construction starts.
