Boost for Bedford Borough as East-West Transport Schemes Make Progress

Mayor Dave Hodgson welcomed the recent Autumn Statement's commitment to two key transport schemes which are hugely important to Bedford Borough, namely the East-West Rail project and the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway.

Government support for delivery the East-West Rail project was confirmed with the announcement of £100m to take forward delivery of the western section between Oxford and Bedford, with a further £10m for early work on plans for the central section, onwards from Bedford to Cambridge.

Meanwhile, £27 million was committed for the development of plans for the proposed dualled Expressway road between Oxford to Cambridge to speed up journey times and cut congestion.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said:

"Both East-West Rail and the Expressway will make Bedford Borough an even better location to live and do business in, and today's announcements from the government are welcome signs of progress.'

"East-West Rail to Oxford was originally announced by the government for completion in 2017, and we're already looking well beyond that, but the cold hard cash it has committed today is a positive move in moving construction forward.'

"The funding for the dualled Oxford-Cambridge Expressway will support progress on a scheme which will bring major economic and social benefits for Bedford Borough. These include the solution we sorely need for the black cat roundabout, and new work and leisure opportunities for residents."