New map shows how East West Rail would connect Cambridge to …

A new map that shows how East West Rail will connect Cambridge to other cities across the UK has been published. The East West Rail (EWR) route intersects with other key railway arteries which carry passengers to cities across the UK.

EWR is intended to create a new direct connection between Oxford and Cambridge to shorten journey times and lower transport costs. It is planned to be delivered in three stages: Oxford to Bletchley and Milton Keynes; Oxford to Bedford; and Oxford to Cambridge

Once the route is complete, EWR will connect with the Midland Main Line, West Coast Main Line, East Coast Main Line, West Anglia Main Line, and connections to the Great Western Railway. For residents in Cambourne, EWR will provide direct access to the East Coast Main Line and West Coast Main Line so passengers won’t need to change at Cambridge for other cross-country services.

Locations accessible from EWR interchanges include Glasgow and Edinburgh, Brighton, Norwich, and Exeter. They also include holiday destinations like the Cotswolds, the Wye Valley in Herefordshire, and Dorset’s heritage coast. Passengers will also be able to travel to Luton Airport by train more easily.

A spokesperson for the East West Railway Company said: “The UK-wide opportunities that EWR offers for improved leisure travel during school holidays are in addition to the promising tourism boost that EWR will bring to tourist hotspots along the route. Whether for shopping at Bicester Village, skiing at Xscape in Milton Keynes or a trip to Center Parcs in Bedfordshire, EWR will help people access more leading attractions in the area – particularly for younger people.”