East West Rail project reaches significant milestone as test train passes through Aylesbury Vale

Yesterday (21 October), a test train completed the journey, travelling through Winslow en route to its final destination, Milton Keynes Central Railway Station.

Upon completion of the route, which also includes stops at Bicester and Bletchley, will be operational for the first time in 60 years.

Network Rail confirmed the test drive was a success and it took 42 minutes to get from Oxford to the Bucks city, also during the journey the train reached top speeds of 100mph.

Christian Irwin, Network Rail’s director of capital delivery, said: “Today is a huge milestone for the East West Rail project. I am incredibly proud of the partnership between Network Rail, our East West Rail Alliance supply chain partners, the DfT, EWR Company and Chiltern Railways, in successfully completing the construction and entry into service of the new railway between Bicester and Bletchley.

“The running of our first test train today is a huge achievement and brings us one step closer to restoring train services between Oxford and Milton Keynes for passengers."

Journeys between Milton Keynes and Oxford make up ‘Connection Stage One’ of the project which plans to run a train line that connects Oxford and Cambridge.

Despite strong local interest, Aylesbury has not been included in authorised works linked to the project. New MP for Aylesbury Laura Kyrke-Smith, like her predecessor, has shown an interest in fighting for Aylesbury’s inclusion in the major Government scheme.

Rianna Stanwell, programme director at Chiltern Railways, said: “I am delighted that Chiltern will be running the first series of test trains between Oxford and Milton Keynes."

“Working with colleagues at Network Rail and the EWR Alliance this important step in the programme will ensure the infrastructure is ready for passenger service in the future.”

Trains are expected to start taking passengers along the Oxford to Milton Keynes and Bletchley route in 2025.

Work on the project has already seen the construction of a new railway station in Winslow, plus dozens of new bridges and 70km worth of new train tracks.