How East West Rail would benefit Tempsford
East West Rail would make it easier to connect to other parts of the UK and get around the local area with fast connections that are greener for the environment. The new station at Tempsford will be better located to enable a new community to grow, providing access to jobs and days out with friends and family, while encouraging investment in public spaces.
We are working closely with local partners to deliver Local Opportunity Plans that will kickstart growth around the new Tempsford station, offer increased access to opportunities for the local community and regenerate the area.
Why are we proposing this work?
Building a new rail link between Bedford and Cambridge would bring faster and better long-term connectivity across the region. It would open up new journeys, cut travel times, ease congestion on local roads and bring more jobs within reach of local people.
Proposals
- The maximum height of the railway for Alignment 1b would be higher than the maximum height for Alignment 1c – including at Tempsford station where Alignment 1b is more than twice the height of Alignment 1c. The tracks would be approximately 22m (72 feet) above ground level for Alignment 1b and approximately 9m (29 feet) for Alignment 1c).
- In Alignment 1b, Tempsford station would be located south of the new dual carriageway, and more centrally in a potential Tempsford development. In Alignment 1c, Tempsford station would be located to the north of the new A421 dual carriageway, close to the northern edge of a potential Tempsford development
Alignment 1b follows a similar alignment to Alignment 1a south of the Black Cat roundabout, whereas Alignment 1c runs slightly north of the Black Cat roundabout.
Our assessment shows Alignment 1c offers a number of advantages over Alignment 1b. The railway in Alignment 1c is significantly lower at Tempsford station, reducing its visual impact. It’s also a more affordable option, as it doesn’t require the longer viaduct that would be included in Alignment 1b to cross the A421 dual carriageway.
Alignment 1c offers other advantages too, including in relation to railway operational performance, deliverability and consistency with Local Plans.
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What's next for this area?
We'll provide further details on how our updated proposals for how East West Rail will serve Tempsford at our consultation in spring 2026.