OREANDA-NEWS. As part of the East West Rail project, Network Rail is undertaking a study looking at how to make the planned reinstated railway between Bletchley and Bicester safe for everyone to use.

The study covers public road and footpath crossings as well as private farm crossings in the area. The crossings being considered are those along the railway between Mill Lane and Berry Lane in Aspley Guise and Mill Lane and Brogborough

Charles Hurst, Network Rail’s project manager for East West Rail, said: “Safety on and around the railway is a top priority for us. The East West Rail project will open up many new journey opportunities, but we want to make sure that the reinstated sections of railway are safe for everyone to use, which is why we are undertaking this study.

“So far, we have discussed our initial proposals with the local authority, landowners and ramblers, but we are keen to hear the wider community’s views. This event gives us the chance to share our initial plans with residents and invite them to give us the benefit of their local knowledge and experience.”

Details of the public consultation event are as follows:

- Wednesday April 8 for crossings between Mill Lane and Berry Lane

- Friday May 1 for crossings between Berry Lane and Brogborough

Time: Drop-in anytime between 5.00 and 8.00pm

Location: Aspley Guise Village Hall, Spinney Lane, Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes Bedfordshire, MK17 8JT

ENDS

The East West Rail project plans to reintroduce passenger and freight services between Bedford and Oxford, and between Aylesbury and Milton Keynes. It will connect the Great Western, West Coast and Midland main lines, creating many new journey opportunities, reducing journey times and avoiding the need to travel via London.

The work involves re-constructing and upgrading disused and underused sections of track and signalling between Bletchley and Claydon junctions and upgrading other sections of the line.