East West Rail Link is a planned railway route linking the Great Western Main Line, Oxford, Bicester, Milton Keynes, Bedford, Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich in England using part of the former Varsity Line. The western section from Oxford to Bedford was approved by the Government in November 2011, with completion expected in 2017.
The plan is divided into three sections. A 'Western section' from Oxford and the Great Western Main Line at Didcot to Bedford on existing lines, including the mothballed section between Bletchley and Claydon. A 'central section' from Bedford to Cambridge using some existing lines together with a new section and an 'Eastern section' from Cambridge to Norwich, Felixstowe and Ipswich on existing lines. It is being promoted by the East-West Rail Consortium, a consortium of local authorities and interested bodies along the route.
Read more about East West Rail Link: Phase 1 - Western Section
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