Rail Strategy Update: Mayor Dave continues to fight for four tracks

Last night an overview and scrutiny committee received an update on some of the key priorities of the Bedford Rail Strategy:

• Maximising the benefits from East West Rail - Mayor Dave Hodgson sent another letter to the Transport Secretary pushing for a commitment to four tracks north of Bedford, which would avoid home demolitions.
• A new interchange hub for Bedford - A new Network Rail report concludes that a new "Up Fast" platform should be constructed, strengthening the case for four tracks and allowing the restoration of intercity services to London and to the North.
• Building a new station at Wixams - Bedford Borough Council is taking the lead on delivering this project and planning applications are expected to be determined early in 2023.

Mayor Dave said "The progress we have made so far with this strategy is encouraging. However, yet again we seem to be waiting on this government for key decisions. I wrote to the Transport Secretary again in December, outlining our strong opposition to the unnecessary six track proposals and the home demolitions that would cause. I am pleased with the Network Rail report highlighting the need for a "Up Fast" platform, which should strengthen our case even further and can also mean Bedford will be back on the intercity service map."

Despite the latest consultation finishing in Summer 2021, there have been very few updates from EWR Company or the government on some of the issues that may impact Bedford Borough residents. A Preferred Route Announcement was expected in Autumn 2022, however this has been delayed further and is now expected in Spring 2023.

Mayor Dave said "We share residents' frustrations with the unacceptable delays by the government and EWR Company. Our residents need more communication and more answers on issues such as four tracks, electrification and the chosen route alignment. It is incredibly frustrating that we are still waiting for a report on the consultation and this has been delayed further due to the chaos caused by the Conservative governments and the changes to ministerial teams."