Central Section options under consideration

The East West Rail Consortium is still developing a preferred option for reinstating a rail link between Bedford and Cambridge.

A discussion paper was published in February identifying a number of alternative routes and invited comments from local and regional stakeholders, as well as the Department for Transport and Network Rail.

A number of consultation responses were received and these have been reviewed by the Central Section steering group which was established to lead on development of this section of the route.

In reviewing the responses, it became clear that some additional feasibility work was required to clarify the relative benefits of the options, and this has been taking place since the summer.

The outcome of this further work is expected during December, which will enable the Central Section steering group to make its final recommendation on a preferred route option to the East West Rail Consortium in February 2010.

Information about the final recommendation will be published when available.