Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced plans for new towns along the East West Rail Line, aiming to boost the economy and improve transport links between Oxford and Cambridge.
Oxfordshire: Proposals are on the table for new towns along the East West Rail Line. Chancellor Rachel Reeves shared this news during a speech on January 29.
She talked about the ‘Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor’. This area could become Europe’s Silicon Valley and add £78 billion to the UK economy by 2035.
However, she noted there are too many barriers to growth in the region. The government plans to address these issues. New homes and better transport links are essential.
Reeves emphasized the need for a systematic approach to attract businesses. Currently, it takes two-and-a-half hours to travel by train from Oxford to Cambridge.
There’s no direct rail service from Bedford or Milton Keynes to Cambridge. Plus, affordable housing is lacking across the region.
Funding for East West Rail has been confirmed. This project aims to create a direct rail line between Oxford and Cambridge, supporting new communities along the route.
Reeves mentioned 18 proposals for sizable new developments along the railway. However, no further details were provided.
Additionally, a new East Coast Mainline station at Tempsford will be built three to five years earlier than planned. This station will connect directly to London and the East West Rail station.
Upgrades to the A428 are also in the works to improve travel times between Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge. A new 10-mile dual carriageway will be constructed, along with three grade-separated junctions.
Construction started in December 2023, and the road is expected to open in 2027.
