A MAJOR train company has unveiled its plans for a new station, taking passengers from one world-famous city to another.
It comes as the rail company decided a far bigger station would be needed, with more than 80 alterations being made to the original idea so far.
East West Rail’s Oxford-Cambridge route is set to take passengers from one popular city to another, with stops in places including Bedford, Milton Keynes, and Winslow in between.
The nearly £7bn scheme is aiming to construct fresh stations, new entrances and a completely reworked service pattern.
It’s no small overhaul – it’s an incredible challenge to all involved, both strategically as well as in terms of design.
In preparation for the new train line, Cambridge will be getting a revamp, with a brand-new Cambridge East station near the city airport.
The stunning city already has two prominent stations – Cambridge North and Cambridge Central located in the CB1 area.
The central station will also be receiving a long-awaited eastern entrance to ease foot traffic during rush hour.
All of these plans for Cambridge have been written into the scope of the plan, though elements of it are dependent on whether external funding is received.
Whereas in Oxford one of its old running lines – the Cowley Branch Line – will be reinstated to better suit the travel timetable once Oxford-Cambridge becomes available for travellers.
According to a press release by East West Rail, “millions of people across the Oxford to Cambridge corridor are set to benefit” from the project.
David Hughes, CEO of EWR, said: “These updates reflect our commitment to listening to communities while designing a railway that delivers long-term benefits for the region.
“Our latest proposals better reflect what matters most to people and will deliver better outcomes for passengers, local communities and the environment.”
Though one of the biggest challenges the construction team are going to be facing during construction is rethinking what to do with the Marston Vale Line that transverses central Bedfordshire.
The current plan is to switch out the nine existing rather tired-looking stations on its line for four larger contemporary ones.