The UK’s East West Rail Consortium has published a report promoting the economic case for reinstating the Varsity Line between the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge.
A study, compiled by engineering consultants Atkins, presented the business case for constructing the Central Section of the route between Bedford and Cambridge.
Network Rail has already committed to reconstructing the corridor’s Western Section from Oxford to Bedford and Milton Keynes – a project which involves reinstating disused sections of the old Varsity Line.
Much of the Central Section, however, no longer exists or has been developed over, so the consortium, in partnership with the Department for Transport and Network Rail, is considering the merits of several possible new routes with the intention of submitting a convincing business case for the next funding period (2019-24).
Bob Menzies, service director for strategy and development at Cambridgeshire County Council and chairman of the East West Rail Central Section Steering Group, said: “Now that the Western Section between Oxford, Bedford and Milton Keynes is going ahead, we are working to develop the business case for the Central Section to complete the missing link. To do this, we need to identify a route that will deliver the greatest benefits to support the case for investment.
“The good news is that this study shows there is significant economic growth potential that could be unlocked through new rail services and that the Government is providing funds for Network Rail to undertake the next vital phase of feasibility work to identify a preferred route.
“The former line between Bedford and Cambridge has been dismantled, the land sold and sections used for other purposes, including housing. This means that we are looking at constructing a brand new stretch of railway. Several routes have been considered in the past but until now there has not been clear justification for investment.”
