East West Rail - Marston Vale Acceleration Programme

[Edvid]

In between the Oxford - Milton Keynes stage where commencement of passenger services remains on hold given the ongoing impasse over staffing arrangements and the Oxford - Cambridge stage which is still in pre-planning, here's a thread for the bit in-between that at times seems forgotten unless it's a bit within a thread focused on the Universal United Kingdom Resort.

In a previous form it was Connection Stage 2 but this package of works is now named the Marston Vale Acceleration Programme.

A programme of work is now underway to upgrade the infrastructure along the Marston Vale line between Bletchley and Bedford. For updates on the specific timetable for this programme, please follow the East West Rail social media accounts or download the East West Rail Marston Vale App. Below is a guide to explain what the works are and why they are taking place and how they fit into the wider East West Rail project.

What is the Marston Vale Acceleration Programme?

The Marston Vale Acceleration Programme is a package of preparatory works being delivered on the existing Marston Vale railway line between Bletchley and Bedford. The programme is being carried out under the East West Rail Bicester to Bedford Transport and Works Act Order, which was granted in 2020. This is the same legislation which granted powers to rebuild the section of line between Bicester and Bletchley. These works are separate from the wider East West Rail proposals for the whole route, which were consulted on as part of our route-wide consultation which took place earlier this year and will form part of our Development Consent Order application.

What work is planned?

The Marston Vale Acceleration Programme includes:

• Replacement of the Saxon Street bridge in Bletchley
• Construction of a new road overbridge at Marston Road, Lidlington
• Construction of a new footbridge at Woburn Road
• Closure of eight level crossings, together with associated traffic diversions

These works are focused on improving the existing railway infrastructure and preparing the route for future rail services.

Who is carrying out the work?

The programme is being delivered by the East West Rail Alliance. The East West Rail Alliance is a partnership between Network Rail, AtkinsRéalis, Laing O'Rourke and VolkerRail. The 2020 Transport and Works Act Order authorises Network Rail to carry out upgrades to the existing Marston Vale Line between Bletchley and Bedford.

Why is the work being carried out?

The work is being undertaken to prepare the Marston Vale Line for future service improvements and upgrades. Completing these preparatory works will help enable East West Rail's wider plans for the line, subject to the necessary consents being obtained. The programme will improve the railway's infrastructure and support the safe and efficient operation of future rail services.

For updates on the specific timetable for this programme, please follow the East West Rail social media accounts or download the East West Rail Marston Vale App [named EWRA MVLA] by scanning the QR code.

How does this relate to East West Rail's wider plans?

The Marston Vale Acceleration Programme is one part of the wider East West Rail programme. Once wider upgrades are completed, and subject to a successful Development Consent Order application, East West Rail plans to upgrade and electrify the Marston Vale Line.

This programme includes enabling up to four trains per hour to operate between Oxford and Stewartby in the early 2030s, the construction of new accessible stations, and improvements to Bletchley station. A new station at Stewartby is also planned to serve the Universal Entertainment Resort Complex. Accelerating these initial works could support the introduction of rail services within the first few years of the resort opening, helping meet anticipated passenger demand.

 

[absolutelymilk]

Thanks for starting this thread! Do you know if any work is underway or if when it will start if not?

 

[Edvid]

Thanks for starting this thread! Do you know if any work is underway or if when it will start if not?

At the moment they're progressing with enabling works; main works are currently scheduled to start next year.

Their EWRA MVLA feed can be accessed without having to use an app on your phone (link) but you have to select the share icon on a post to access its specific URL.

10 April 2026, 1:58pm

Since the beginning of the year, EWRA has been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the start of our main works in 2027. These works will include the renewal of the BFO/1B bridge over Saxon Street in Bletchley, construction of a new access road from Salford Road in Aspley Guise via Berry Lane to Bedford Road, a new overbridge at Marston Road in Lidlington and a new footbridge at Woburn Road (Kempston).

Progress to date includes:

• Ground investigation works across multiple sites
• De‑vegetation clearance along Saxon Street (Bletchley), Marston Road (Lidlington) and Woodley’s Farm (Woburn Sands)
• Installation of weld mesh and heras fencing to secure our works sites and land boundaries
• At Berry Lane, Aspley Guise, installation of two culverts and advanced boundary fencing
• Completion of PAS128 utility surveys at Bedford Road, Marston Road and Woburn Road to safely detect, verify and locate underground services

This early work is vital in ensuring safe, efficient and well-planned delivery as we move closer to construction. More updates to follow as progress continues.

24 July 2026, 11:57am

Bletchley Flyover Bridge – Enabling and Vegetation Clearance Works

Please be advised that, from Saturday 1 August, works will commence at the Bletchley Flyover Bridge on Saxon Street and are expected to continue for approximately six weeks. These activities will involve enabling works and vegetation clearance in preparation for the construction of the replacement bridge, which is currently scheduled to begin in Spring 2027.

Our standard working hours will be:

• Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm

In addition, the following weekend and night-time works will be required:

• Saturday 1 August and Sunday 2 August: Night shift, 11:00pm – 11:00am
• Saturday 15 August and Sunday 16 August: Night shift, 11:00pm – 11:00am
• Sunday 23 August: Day shift, 7:00am – 7:00pm
• Sunday 30 August: Day shift, 7:00am – 7:00pm

During these works, a rail excavator will be used to remove redundant railway track, alongside handheld equipment for vegetation clearance activities.

No road closures are necessary for these works, as they are confined entirely to the rail corridor.

We will make every effort to minimise noise and disruption wherever possible. We apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding while this essential work is carried out.

If you have any questions regarding the works, please do not hesitate to contact the project team.

14 September 2026, 3:49pm

Advance Notice of Road Closure - Salford Road, Aspley Guise

We would like to inform residents and road users of upcoming works on Salford Road, Aspley Guise, which are required to support the East West Rail project.

We will be carrying out trial holes to identify and locate existing underground services within the proposed bellmouth area adjacent to Aspley Guise station. These investigations are essential to inform the design and delivery of the future works.

Works will take place:

Monday 28 September 2026 to Friday 2 October 2026

Working hours will be:

• 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday

To undertake these works safely, Salford Road will be subject to a full road closure 24 hours a day for the duration of the works.

A signed diversion route will be in place and we encourage motorists to allow additional time for their journeys.

Pedestrian access to Aspley Guise station will be maintained throughout the works.

We appreciate that road closures can cause inconvenience and would like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while these essential works are carried out.

East West Rail MVLA

The current programme of work planned for the Marston Vale lin...

ewra-mvla.apps.publiq.website

 

[cle]

Good to see. The Oxford-Bedford service (in addition to today's MV local) - was still slated for 2030, long before Cambridge happens. What's the provisional timing on Universal opening, and the station closures/consolidation? Sounds like a large closure to get it all done would be simplest.