East-West Rail (EWR): Oxford-Bletchley construction progress

[Peter Sarf]

According the schedule files from Network Rail BLU is Bletchley HL. Blundelsands & Crosby is BLN, and always has been.

+

Blundelsands & Crosby is coming up as BLN to me on NR Enquiries

Ah ha. I have just tried again.

Apologies

I did not know where BLU was so I put in "BLU" on National Rail Enquiries and it gave me a choice of
"Blundelsands & Crosby (BLN)"
or
Greenhithe for Bluewater (GNH)"
I realise I miss read the "(BLN)" as the BLU I had asked for.
I expected that by entering "BLU" on National Rail Enquiries it would find me a station with that code !.
Just shows how well you read something if you think you already know what sort of answer to expect !.

 

[JKF]

I guesss BLU derives from ’Bletchley Upper’ even though that isn’t the name!

 

[Backroom_boy]

EWR is I think to be DOO so I doubt it.

Is ASLEF on board with that or are we going to see Industrial action about this?

 

[Class 170101]

Hopefully a complete list of these IEP services as all seem to operate via Bletchley High Level

Realtime Trains | Departures from Bletchley High Level all day on 21/10/2024

Train information at Bletchley High Level all day on 21/10/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[DavidGrain]

If they are testing the GSM-R as has been mentioned, do the IETs have a different system which also has to be tested?

 

[317362]

...and it's on the move!

Realtime Trains | 5Q40 0812 London Paddington to Bletchley High Level | 21/10/2024

Real-time train running information for 5Q40 0812 departure from London Paddington to Bletchley High Level on 21/10/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[E6007]

and 168323 and 168328 have been allocated to 5Z01 https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:S79733/2024-10-21/detailed#allox_id=0

 

[westcoaster]

Does anyone know why GWR are involved?

Seems odd unless they want testing of trains passing.

Could we see a Milton Keynes to Bristol service as an extension on to current Oxford trains.

 

[The Planner]

Does anyone know why GWR are involved?

Seems odd unless they want testing of trains passing.

Could we see a Milton Keynes to Bristol service as an extension on to current Oxford trains.

Doubt it, it could get to Bletchley, doubt you'll find paths to MK.

 

[PLY2AYS]

Doubt it, it could get to Bletchley, doubt you'll find paths to MK.

Anything to do with Bicester Village bidding for more services do you think? I know they actively encourage Chiltern drivers to work in the busy period around Christmas

 

[800001]

Does anyone know why GWR are involved?

Seems odd unless they want testing of trains passing.

Could we see a Milton Keynes to Bristol service as an extension on to current Oxford trains.

Gwr is guaging trials for diversions.

Unit 800005.

 

[PLY2AYS]

Gwr is guaging trials for diversions.

Unit 800005.

The loop that goes through Ruislip to Old Oak isn’t open, or available, is it? Or is it in line with their original plan of hoping to join to Euston when the GWML is shut?

 

[Sun Chariot]

Has any forum reader been out to see and photograph 5Q40 and 5Z01?
Two eastbound workings running only 12 minutes apart.

 

[sqwizz]

Water Eaton Rd 2 mins ago

 

[Topological]

Gwr is guaging trials for diversions.

Unit 800005.

For GWR?

When trying to think about whether GWR had any destination where EWR would be useful, it occurred to me that Avanti have 805 that could use EWR when Euston is closed. Likewise, MML 810s could come through as a way to get to Paddington if really needed (assuming Euston is unavailable for divert and given that via EWR is such a long route that it is highly unlikely the MML services would want to divert Bedford to London anyway)

 

[jfowkes]

Chris Miller (@chris_railway on Twitter) has posted two videos of trains going over the HS2 overbridge.

The first is 168328/323: https://x.com/chris_railway/status/1848301807782580326

First passenger train over the new East West line, 168328/323. A small step nearer to opening. ⁦
Location is Clayton, with HS2 construction in background. Unit coming over HS2 bridge.

The second is 800005: https://x.com/chris_railway/status/1848302897475232221

And the 168s were quickly followed by 800005 on a gauging run from Paddington to Bletchley High Level. I understand this is part of preparations for diversions to Euston

 

[Bletchleyite]

I'm intrigued what diversions GWR would be likely to do using EWR, as they'd be incredibly roundabout if they were for instance going to Euston via Oxford and a reverse at Milton Keynes Central - you'd be adding on probably nearly two hours. Or is this on behalf of Avanti who might well want to send their 805s on a blockade buster run into Paddington once in a while?

 

[DarloRich]

OBVISOULY these trains run on a day I am not at home!

 

[The Planner]

I'm intrigued what diversions GWR would be likely to do using EWR, as they'd be incredibly roundabout if they were for instance going to Euston via Oxford and a reverse at Milton Keynes Central - you'd be adding on probably nearly two hours. Or is this on behalf of Avanti who might well want to send their 805s on a blockade buster run into Paddington once in a while?

GWR were looking at that though I can't see where they would ever get paths down the fasts. Avanti won't unless Euston was closed completely several times a year. Even then the current bus to Bedford and MML would be just as quick.

 

[Nottingham59]

I'm intrigued what diversions GWR would be likely to do using EWR, as they'd be incredibly roundabout if they were for instance going to Euston via Oxford and a reverse at Milton Keynes Central - you'd be adding on probably nearly two hours. Or is this on behalf of Avanti who might well want to send their 805s on a blockade buster run into Paddington once in a while?

Do the GwR 800s ever need to get to somewhere like Newton Aycliffe for major works? Via Bletchley might make sense for that sort of journey

 

[800001]

Do the GwR 800s ever need to get to somewhere like Newton Aycliffe for major works? Via Bletchley might make sense for that sort of journey

They would just run via Acton and Willesden to the ECML.

 

[sqwizz]

Selbourne Ave cemetery just now. Just west of Bletchley station

Same place

 

[Topological]

GWR were looking at that though I can't see where they would ever get paths down the fasts. Avanti won't unless Euston was closed completely several times a year. Even then the current bus to Bedford and MML would be just as quick.

Is there any danger of a HS2 Euston design that does close Euston several times a year?

The forum talks enough about how Euston could be improved with work on the existing station. However, such work would need closure. This is not to talk about the speculation, there is a dedicated thread, more to say whether Avanti (or whoever) has in mind that Euston could indeed close for sufficient time.

How long would it take on the fasts from Euston to Oxford if that was the idea (and pathed)? Looking at the times on the EWR section, and standard Avanti from Euston to Bletchley, it is not too daft to have a Euston to Oxford service. Makes a bit less sense to then go and rejoin the GWML at Didcot, but it may be a way to get Cotswold/Oxford services into London.

 

[sqwizz]

About 12:15 at Newton Rd/Bletchley Rd

 

[The Planner]

Is there any danger of a HS2 Euston design that does close Euston several times a year?

The forum talks enough about how Euston could be improved with work on the existing station. However, such work would need closure. This is not to talk about the speculation, there is a dedicated thread, more to say whether Avanti (or whoever) has in mind that Euston could indeed close for sufficient time.

How long would it take on the fasts from Euston to Oxford if that was the idea (and pathed)? Looking at the times on the EWR section, and standard Avanti from Euston to Bletchley, it is not too daft to have a Euston to Oxford service. Makes a bit less sense to then go and rejoin the GWML at Didcot, but it may be a way to get Cotswold/Oxford services into London.

Which bit of Euston do you mean? If its the HS2 side then Euston never needs more than a half station block. The redevelopment of the main station is anyones guess.
Didcot Oxford is 15 minutes, MK will be around 50 depending on paths at Bletchley. Then a reversal, say 10 minutes depending on platforms and paths. 35-40 to Euston depending on if they can get fast lines paths. So call it an hour and 50 compare with 40 odd minutes now to Paddington.

 

[sqwizz]

IET waiting at Bletchley High Level

IET pulling into BLU at about 12:41

 

[Hughby]

Salden Lane this morning.

 

[jfowkes]

Didcot Oxford is 15 minutes, MK will be around 50 depending on paths at Bletchley. Then a reversal, say 10 minutes depending on platforms and paths. 35-40 to Euston depending on if they can get fast lines paths. So call it an hour and 50 compare with 40 odd minutes now to Paddington.

I'm guessing using the Marston Vale for reversals (at/near Fenny Stratford) is not feasible.

 

[Samzino]

Kudos to those with footage and pictured, looks very interesting to see. Indeed it's wierd to see a nice new route without electrical source but they "plan" to add that later after all.

 

[paok]

First train completes test run between Oxford and Milton Keynes for East West Rail

A key milestone for “Connection Stage One” of the East West Rail project has been reached today (Monday 21 October) after a test train successfully completed its first run between Oxford and Milton Keynes.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Monday 21 Oct 2024

First train completes test run between Oxford and Milton Keynes for East West Rail​

Region & Route: North West & Central
A key milestone for “Connection Stage One” of the East West Rail project has been reached today (Monday 21 October) after a test train successfully completed its first run between Oxford and Milton Keynes.

Network Rail worked with its partners at Chiltern Railways to operate the first train over the newly rebuilt section of the line between Bicester and Bletchley as part of testing on the route. This work brings the rail line a step closer to reopening to passengers for the first time in nearly 60 years.

Departing from Oxford station at 9.43am, a Chiltern Class 168 train made a full journey along the line, travelling via Bicester, Winslow and Bletchley before arriving at Milton Keynes Central at 10.25am. The journey along the entire route took 42 minutes to complete, with the train reaching the full line speed of 100mph on several sections of line.

Christian Irwin, Network Rail’s Director of Capital Delivery, said: “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."
Rianna Stanwell, Programme Director at Chiltern Railways, said: “I am delighted that Chiltern will be running the first series of test trains between Oxford and Milton Keynes."
“Working with colleagues at Network Rail and the EWR Alliance this important step in the programme will ensure the infrastructure is ready for passenger service in the future.”
David Hughes, CEO of East West Railway Company, said: "This is a fantastic achievement and an extremely proud moment for everyone here at East West Rail.
“I would like to thank all our colleagues at the East West Rail Alliance who have worked so hard to rebuild this railway and in particular, our local communities for their continued patience and understanding during the construction works.
“We can all now look forward to passenger services beginning next year and delivering the improved connectivity which this region so desperately needs.”

Connecting communities

The event not only marks the first time a train was able to use this section of the new railway line, but also a major stage of the East West Rail project which is planning to deliver transport connections for communities between Oxford and Cambridge.

Connection Stage One of the project includes the introduction of services from Oxford to Bletchley and Milton Keynes with the aim of the first passenger services starting in 2025. Services will better connect passengers and will have the potential to help unlock economic growth and create new opportunities across the region.

Looking ahead

Chiltern Railways is supporting both Network Rail and the East West Rail Alliance which is a partnership between AtkinsRéalis, Laing O'Rourke, VolkerRail, and Network Rail, by running test trains as part of technical preparations to open the line.

Testing and training will now take place over the coming months and the project remains on track to begin passenger services in 2025. Further test runs, supported by Chiltern Railways, will continue to ensure the safety and reliability of the new infrastructure.