The East West Rail project has reached a major milestone with the successful test run of a train between Oxford and Milton Keynes. This development signifies a substantial progression towards the reopening of the line for public service in 2025. Key figures involved in this project have expressed their satisfaction with the progress and collaborative efforts. The newly reconstructed line enhances regional connectivity, paving the way for further stages of East West Rail.
- The East West Rail project achieved a significant milestone with a successful test train run from Oxford to Milton Keynes.
- The test involved collaboration between Network Rail and Chiltern Railways, marking progress towards passenger service resumption in 2025.
- The train traveled from Oxford, stopping at Bicester, Winslow, and Bletchley before arriving in Milton Keynes, navigating at speeds up to 160kmh.
- Officials from the project express pride and anticipation as the line’s reopening nears, emphasising improved regional connectivity.
- The project includes extensive infrastructure development, with plans to connect Oxford to Cambridge through multiple stages.
The East West Rail (EWR) project has marked a significant progression with a successful test train journey between Oxford and Milton Keynes. The event on 21 October saw a train operated by Chiltern Railways traverse the newly reconstructed line, a collaborative achievement between Network Rail and Chiltern Railways. This advancement signifies a closer step towards the reopening of the line for passenger services, aimed for 2025.
The Chiltern Class 168 train departed Oxford station at 9.43am and completed its journey in Milton Keynes Central at 10.25am, having made scheduled stops at Bicester and the newly established stations at Winslow and Bletchley. The train journeyed at speeds reaching up to 160kmh, demonstrating the line’s capability to handle express transit.
The specific section between Bicester and Bletchley is designated as Connection Stage 1 (CS1) and follows the completion of the Oxford to Bicester line. Looking ahead, passenger services are expected to commence in 2025, facilitated through an ongoing partnership involving Chiltern Railways, Network Rail, and the East West Rail Alliance, which includes AtkinsRéalis, Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail, and Network Rail.
Network Rail’s Director of Capital Delivery, Christian Irwin, described the test train’s success as a “huge achievement” for the project. He lauded the efforts of the project’s partners, including the Department for Transport, EWR Company, and Chiltern Railways, in bringing the new railway section between Bicester and Bletchley to operational status.
Chiltern Railways’ Programme Director, Rianna Stanwell, shared her enthusiasm for the company’s role in the test runs, highlighting the collaborative efforts to ensure readiness for passenger services. Meanwhile, David Hughes, CEO of EWR Company, expressed pride in the achievement, acknowledging the contributions from all involved, including local communities who have shown patience throughout construction.
Connection Stage 1, valued at £1.2 billion and initiated in November 2021, has completed substantial developments such as new stations, laying 70km of new track, refurbishing 22 bridges, and constructing five overbridges and 12 footbridges. This is part of a larger vision that will ultimately connect Oxford to Cambridge across distinct phases.
The East West Rail project is well on track to improving the region’s connectivity with its successful test train journey, promising enhanced transport services by 2025.
