Media centre

Thursday 2 Jun 2016

Lidlington people's views sought on railway crossing proposals

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

Residents and businesses at Lidlington in Bedfordshire are being invited to have their say on Network Rail’s railway upgrade plan.

In particular Lidlington locals are being asked for their views on proposals to improve and make safer two railway crossings in the village.

This is part of the wider East-West Rail (EWR) scheme, which aspires eventually to link Oxford in the west to Ipswich in the east.

Drop-in sessions to discuss options are being held from 3pm to 8pm until on Wednesday 8 June and 10am to 2pm on Thursday 9 June at the Church Hall in Lidlington.

Andy Milne, EWR project manager, said: “These consultation events give local people a chance to tell us which option they prefer. I encourage as many people as possible to get involved so we can reach the best possible option for each crossing."

This work is part of phase two of the EWR scheme, which is currently under development, to provide rail links between Bicester and Bedford, and Milton Keynes and Aylesbury. Phase one of EWR, Oxford-to-Bicester, is set for completion this December.

Once completed, more trains will be running to more destinations more quickly. And passengers will no longer have to go via London or Birmingham to get from, for example, Bicester to Milton Keynes.

To make the railway safer for passengers and line-side communities Network Rail has put forward proposals to improve railway crossings on the intended EWR route.

At Lidlington it is proposed to replace the current half-barrier Marston Road crossing and replace it with a road bridge over the railway. Network Rail has two road bridge options for local people to consider.

Also proposed is the closure of the pedestrian crossing at School Lane. There are five different options for local people to consider, including diverting it or replacing it with a bridge or underpass to make moving to and fro over the railway safer.

The current proposals are based on feedback from local people at the first round of public consultations in September 2015.

Ends

Notes to editors:

The East West Rail Phase 2 project involves upgrading and reconstruction of existing and mothballed sections of line linking Bedford-Bicester and Milton Keynes-Princes Risborough. The reopening of this line will:

• Provide a strategic east-west route linking key centre of economic activity
• Provide connections between routes without passengers having to go via London
• Deliver better connectivity between urban centres
• Help reduce congestion on local roads
• Contributes to economic growth
• Provides a sustainable means of transport

It will create new journey options including:

• Oxford and Milton Keynes, stopping at Oxford Parkway, Bicester, Winslow and Bletchley.
• Oxford and Bedford: stopping at Oxford Parkway, Bicester, Winslow, Bletchley, Woburn Sands and Ridgmont.
• Milton Keynes to Aylesbury and London Marylebone: an extension of the existing service between Marylebone and Aylesbury Vale Parkway with stops anticipated at Bletchley, Winslow, Princes Risborough and High Wycombe.
• New freight route opportunities.