Public voice concerns over major Bicester rail development
East West Rail (EWR) held a community drop-in event in Bicester[1] inviting the public to have their say, and to learn about the rail company’s plans for London Road crossing and the wider rail development.
Hannah Staunton, Head of Communications at East West Railway Company, said: “Thank you to the cyclists, motorists, councillors, parents, pedestrians, businesses owners and many more, who came to the Bicester public drop-in.
“We had a great afternoon talking about EWR’s plans, which will connect Bicester with frequent, affordable, sustainable, public transport all the way to Cambridge.
“Bicester residents gave us their views at the last consultation, which helped us improve plans for the railway. We’re now looking at a range of options for maintaining connections into Bicester from the south, even while we increase the number of trains running through London Road level crossing.
“Our options include a potential road bridge at a different location to the level crossing, opportunities to keep the crossing open to local traffic[3] and ways for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the railway such as an accessible underpass for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Councillor for the Otmoor division in Bicester, Calum Miller, attended the event and subsequently said: “It’s great that so many Bicester residents attended the EWR meeting. It’s imperative that we continue to tell EWR how important it is to keep London Road open.
“I remain very concerned, however, about the plans. I am worried that EWR plan to double barrier down time in 2025 but not to provide a solution until 2030.
“I am also concerned about the plan to keep the level crossing open after 2030, in case that is used as an excuse not to provide an alternative car route.”
A Bicester-based active travel group also has some concerns about the future of the crossing, especially with regards to access for the elderly and disabled.
Catherine Hickman, Chair of Bicester Bike Users’ Group, said: “We are pleased that EWR are now exploring the idea of a pedestrian underpass near London Road, but it’s disappointing that EWR are still claiming there is such a thing as an ‘accessible’ pedestrian overbridge.
“It’s just not possible to make a three-storey bridge accessible for all users, particularly as they have indicated that they would not install lifts or escalators.
“Pedestrian overbridges require massively long and tiring ramps that exclude many users.
“The only means of catering for all walking, wheeling, or cycling would be an underpass.”
This story was written by Matthew Norman[4], he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.
Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.
Get in touch with him by emailing: [email protected]
Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1
References
- ^ Bicester (www.bicesteradvertiser.net)
- ^ Grade II Listed property could be converted into flats (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ traffic (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ Matthew Norman (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)