on this page
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Markets
Transportation
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Location
UK
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Client
Network Rail
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Collaborators
Laing O'Rourke and VolkerRail (East West Rail Alliance)
Jeremy Baldock
Engineering Director, UK contact form
Transforming the UK’s strategic rail network
East West Rail represents a transformative rail transport link connecting Oxford and Cambridge, with AtkinsRéalis playing a central role in its delivery since 2009.
The project aims to establish the first direct rail connection between these university cities in over 60 years, supporting economic growth and improved connectivity across central, southern and western England.
The project required extensive infrastructure development across phases, including upgrading existing tracks, building new stations, and implementing modern signalling systems - all while preserving local biodiversity and meeting strict delivery timelines and budgets.
East West Rail has been divided into three “connection stages”. AtkinsRéalis has provided multiple strategic services through the first connection stage, which was sub-divided into two phases.
Our work included multi-disciplinary design; developing feasibility studies and business cases; project management and controls; commercial and risk management; project delivery leadership; environment and consenting; and signalling, telecommunications and power installation.
Please note that you are now leaving the AtkinsRéalis website (legal name: AtkinsRéalis Group inc.) and entering a website maintained by a third party (the "External Website") and that you do so at your own risk.
AtkinsRéalis has no control over the External Website, any data or other content contained therein or any additional linked websites. The link to the External Website is provided for convenience purposes only. By clicking "Accept" you acknowledge and agree that AtkinsRéalis is not responsible, and does not accept or assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the data protection policy, the content, the data or the technical operation of the External Website and/or any linked websites and that AtkinsRéalis is not liable for the terms and conditions (or terms of use) of the External Website. Further, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all risks resulting from entering and/or using the External Website and/or any linked websites.
BY ENTERING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE, YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU COMPLETELY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND CLAIMS AGAINST ATKINSRÉALIS, AND RELEASE, DISCHARGE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS ATKINSRÉALIS, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS AND AGENTS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES AND COSTS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ENTERING AND/OR USING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE AND/OR ANY LINKED WEBSITES AND ANY DATA AND/OR CONTENT CONTAINED THEREIN.
Such waiver and release specifically includes, without limitation, any and all rights and claims pertaining to reliance on the data or content of the External Website, or claims pertaining to the processing of personal data, including but not limited to any rights under any applicable data protection statute. You also recognize by clicking “Accept” that the terms of this disclaimer are reasonable.
The information provided by Virtua Research cited herein is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Use of any Virtua Research data is at a user’s own risk and Virtua Research disclaims any liability for use of the Virtua Research data. Although the information is obtained or compiled from reliable sources Virtua Research neither can nor does guarantee or make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, validity, sequence, timeliness, completeness or continued availability of any information or data, including third-party content, made available herein. In no event shall Virtua Research be liable for any decision made or action or inaction taken in reliance on any information or data, including third-party content. Virtua Research further explicitly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
The consensus estimate provided by Virtua Research is based on estimates, forecasts and predictions made by third party financial analysts, as described above. It is not prepared based on information provided by AtkinsRéalis and can only be seen as a consensus view on AtkinsRéalis' possible future results from an outside perspective. AtkinsRéalis has not provided input on these forecasts, except by referring to past publicly disclosed information. AtkinsRéalis does not accept any responsibility for the quality or accuracy of any individual or average of forecasts or estimates. This web page contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by third parties. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between AtkinsRéalis' actual future results, financial situation, development or performance, and the estimates given here.
The initial phase began with AtkinsRéalis providing detailed design services for the Oxford to Bicester section. This complex undertaking involved upgrading 15km of existing single track to dual track, significantly increasing line speeds to 100mph.
Our team established foundations for future electrification while developing comprehensive improvements to existing stations at Islip and Bicester. A cornerstone achievement was the delivery of a new station at Water Eaton. The first section between Oxford Parkway and Bicester opened in October 2015, followed by the Oxford to Oxford Parkway link in December 2016, marking successful completion of the first phase.
Building on this success, AtkinsRéalis joined forces with Laing O'Rourke, VolkerRail, and Network Rail to form the East West Rail Alliance in 2015 to deliver phase two.
This phase delivered transformative infrastructure including 70km of new track and drainage systems, comprehensive signalling, power and telecommunication systems, and the rebuilding of the Bletchley flyover viaduct. The scope included 44 bridge projects combining new construction, re-decking, and refurbishment works. New stations were built at Bletchley and Winslow, supporting population growth and meeting demand for new transport links.
Working together to transform the UK's strategic rail network
East West Rail presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect the UK with a new, fast, affordable, and sustainable public transport solution.
Digital excellence
The alliance embedded digital at the project's core, using BIM principles to create a single source of truth that enhanced collaboration across all workstreams.
Digital rehearsals of staging works provided precise planning for railway closures, minimising disruption. The alliance’s digital design approach enabled offsite manufacturing, most notably in the Bletchley flyover viaduct construction, where factory-cast concrete shells significantly reduced on-site construction time and associated risks.
Environmental benefits
The project has achieved an 11.1% biodiversity net gain throughout phase two, meaning it has left a positive impact on biodiversity compared to what was there before. This is the highest result for a major UK infrastructure project to date, which is especially impressive because the land for development had become a haven for wildlife.
This was accomplished by embedding ecological considerations from the outset, resulting in many improved engineering solutions including the retention of significant areas of established vegetation.
Cost and time efficiency
Through innovative problem-solving and an alliance approach, the team achieved significant savings. A notable example was the Bletchley flyover reconstruction, where modern methods of construction helped to save up to £70m by reducing the need to close the railway and sped up project delivery by six months.
Please note that you are now leaving the AtkinsRéalis website (legal name: AtkinsRéalis Group inc.) and entering a website maintained by a third party (the "External Website") and that you do so at your own risk.
AtkinsRéalis has no control over the External Website, any data or other content contained therein or any additional linked websites. The link to the External Website is provided for convenience purposes only. By clicking "Accept" you acknowledge and agree that AtkinsRéalis is not responsible, and does not accept or assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the data protection policy, the content, the data or the technical operation of the External Website and/or any linked websites and that AtkinsRéalis is not liable for the terms and conditions (or terms of use) of the External Website. Further, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all risks resulting from entering and/or using the External Website and/or any linked websites.
BY ENTERING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE, YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU COMPLETELY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND CLAIMS AGAINST ATKINSRÉALIS, AND RELEASE, DISCHARGE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS ATKINSRÉALIS, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS AND AGENTS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES AND COSTS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ENTERING AND/OR USING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE AND/OR ANY LINKED WEBSITES AND ANY DATA AND/OR CONTENT CONTAINED THEREIN.
Such waiver and release specifically includes, without limitation, any and all rights and claims pertaining to reliance on the data or content of the External Website, or claims pertaining to the processing of personal data, including but not limited to any rights under any applicable data protection statute. You also recognize by clicking “Accept” that the terms of this disclaimer are reasonable.
The information provided by Virtua Research cited herein is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Use of any Virtua Research data is at a user’s own risk and Virtua Research disclaims any liability for use of the Virtua Research data. Although the information is obtained or compiled from reliable sources Virtua Research neither can nor does guarantee or make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, validity, sequence, timeliness, completeness or continued availability of any information or data, including third-party content, made available herein. In no event shall Virtua Research be liable for any decision made or action or inaction taken in reliance on any information or data, including third-party content. Virtua Research further explicitly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
The consensus estimate provided by Virtua Research is based on estimates, forecasts and predictions made by third party financial analysts, as described above. It is not prepared based on information provided by AtkinsRéalis and can only be seen as a consensus view on AtkinsRéalis' possible future results from an outside perspective. AtkinsRéalis has not provided input on these forecasts, except by referring to past publicly disclosed information. AtkinsRéalis does not accept any responsibility for the quality or accuracy of any individual or average of forecasts or estimates. This web page contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by third parties. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between AtkinsRéalis' actual future results, financial situation, development or performance, and the estimates given here.
The success of East West Rail has stemmed from effective collaboration. We fostered an environment where everyone could maximise their contribution, responding to challenges with agility, creativity and persistence.
Jez Baldock
AtkinsRéalis Project Director and Alliance Deputy Director
Social impact
The project's community benefits extend beyond infrastructure improvements, with phase two generating £3.5 million in social value initiatives. This has included supporting 200 community engagement events and 27% of work channelled through SMEs. The project has also fostered skill development, with 30 apprentices completing their training during delivery of phase two.
Results
Overall, the project has been completed on time and under budget. In October 2024, East West Rail reached a crucial milestone with the first successful test train running between Oxford and Milton Keynes. Passenger services are set to commence in 2025, marking the realisation of improved regional connectivity and economic opportunity for the “science supercluster” region.