If delivered in full, the East West Rail scheme would form a strategic route linking Ipswich, Norwich and Cambridge, with Letchworth, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Bicester and Oxford. The concept has some parallels with the M25, in that it would provide an orbital route around London.

East West Rail is recognised as a key policy objective in relevant strategic planning documents and by all relevant authorities. The South East of England Regional Assembly and the London South Midlands Multi Modal Study have both issued strong supporting statements for the wider scheme which recognise the major part the scheme can play in future strategic transport plans. The scheme is recognised in Regional Planning Guidance, is declared in every relevant Local Transport Plan along the route and is supported in Local Plans.

Borough, district, town, city and county councils, port authorities, Network Rail, East of England Regional Development Agency, South East England Regional Assembly, local/regional business groups, English Partnerships.

Mothballed but mostly intact.

Advanced - going through Network Rail’s project development processes. Vegetation clearance underway.