A key milestone was reached for the East West Rail project yesterday after a test train successfully completed a test run between Oxford and Milton Keynes.
Network Rail worked with Chiltern Railways to operate the first train over the newly built section (Connection Stage One) of the line between Bicester and Bletchley.
The first test train on East West Rail
© Network Rail
Once the railway line opens to the public, passengers will be able to travel this route by train for the first time in almost 60 years.
The Chiltern Class 168 diesel-hydraulic multiple unit left Oxford at 9:43am on 21 October and reached Milton Keynes Central at 10:25am. During the 42-minute journey, the train reached full line speed of 100mph along several sections.
“Today is a huge milestone for the East West Rail project. I am incredibly proud of the partnership between Network Rail, our East West Rail Alliance supply chain partners, the DfT, EWR Company and Chiltern Railways, in successfully completing the construction and entry into service of the new railway between Bicester and Bletchley.
“The running of our first test train today is a huge achievement and brings us one step closer to restoring train services between Oxford and Milton Keynes for passengers.”
Connection Stage One of the project includes the introduction of services from Oxford to Bletchley and Milton Keynes with the intention of the first passenger services starting in 2025.
Testing and training will take place over the upcoming months. Further test runs, supported by Chiltern Railways, will continue.
Construction on the East West Rail project began in November 2021.