Open Access
Something to say? This is your platform.
AJ Slatter questions whether building both East West Rail and the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway is “one too many” ( RAIL 838).
Actually, they are a minimum requirement if we are to realise the huge economic potential the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge region presents for UK plc.
The National Infrastructure Commission believes the region - home to a highly skilled workforce, cutting-edge businesses and the two best universities in the world - could become the UK’s Silicon Valley, supporting an additional 700,000 jobs by 2050 and increasing GVA by £163 billion.
However, our potential is currently hamstrung by poor east-west connectivity by both rail and road, hence the need for a ‘multi-modal spine’ to address this.
I can also assure your correspondent that there is a great appetite locally for both schemes.
The East West Rail Consortium, made up of councils along the route, has been making the case for the reopening of the rail corridor since 1995.
Meanwhile, England’s Economic Heartland Strategic Alliance, consisting of transport authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships along the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge growth corridor, is working in partnership with Highways England as a preferred route for the expressway is developed.
Delivering the multimodal spine will be just a first step, however.
England’s Economic Heartland will be making the case to Government for further investment in rail infrastructure and services, along with investment in the area’s major roads.
If we are to support our businesses and local communities, we must invest in infrastructure for the long term.
Martin Tugwell, Director, England’s Economic Heartland Strategic Alliance