Network Rail has worked with its partners at Chiltern Railways to operate the first train over the newly rebuilt section of the line between Bicester and Bletchley.
The test was conducted as part of the testing on the route, the work intended to bring the rail line a step closer to reopening to passengers for the first time in nearly 60 years.
The £1.2bn East West Rail project is being delivered by Department for Transport, East West Railway Company, Network Rail and the East West Rail Alliance.
Connection stage one of the project includes the introduction of services from Oxford to Bletchley and Milton Keynes with the aim of the first passenger services starting in 2025.
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Services will improve passengers connectivity options and will have the potential to help unlock economic growth and create new opportunities across the region, the railway companies hope.
CEO of East West Railway Company, David Hughes, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and an extremely proud moment for everyone here at East West Rail.
“I would like to thank all our colleagues at the East West Rail Alliance who have worked so hard to rebuild this railway and in particular, our local communities for their continued patience and understanding during the construction works.
“We can all now look forward to passenger services beginning next year and delivering the improved connectivity which this region so desperately needs.”
Achievements and innovations in sustainable transport planning will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table!
