East West Rail has outlined revised plans for Cambridgeshire, including a new Cambridge East station near the soon-to-be decommissioned Cambridge City Airport, and a long-anticipated eastern entrance to Cambridge Station.

The updates form part of the next phase of the multibillion-pound Oxford-Cambridge rail project, confirmed on Wednesday (19/11). The project aims to connect Cambridge and Oxford, via Bedford, Milton Keynes, and Bicester.

Cambridge East, which has secured funding for initial design but still depends on third-party backing, would link to the upgraded Newmarket line. EWR says this would provide quicker, more reliable journeys towards Norwich, Ipswich, and Felixstowe, while easing pressure on Cambridge Station, one of the region’s biggest rail hubs.

At Cambridge station, the proposed eastern entrance would add a new gateline, expand concourse space, and create an active-travel hub linking to Clifton Road and nearby walking and cycling routes.

Several route changes have also been confirmed. The proposed Cambourne station would move about 1km to a site north-east of the A428 and Cambourne Road double roundabout, closer to the town centre and with fewer environmental constraints.

EWR has also switched to a mined tunnel beneath the A428 at Bourn Airfield to limit disruption during construction. In Harston, a new road is planned between London Road and Station Road, using land released when the rail line shifts south.

Across the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, EWR aims to run up to five trains per hour, a capacity increase of roughly 70%. The government says the line could unlock £6.7bn in economic growth and enable up to 100,000 new homes by 2050.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “East West Rail is more than a railway – it’s a catalyst for growth, more jobs and opportunity.”

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor Paul Bristow welcomed the new Cambridge-focused plans but pressed for faster delivery. On the proposed Cambridge East and new entrance at Cambridge Station, he said: “We have worked hard to get these promised upgrades. But we need them now”.

EWR CEO David Hughes said the updated plans reflect extensive public consultation and will form the basis for more detailed designs expected next year.