Wycombe-Oxford rail link approved (From Bucks Free Press)

Wycombe-Oxford rail link approved

1:38pm Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Andy Carswell

Trains could run from High Wycombe to Oxford from 2015

HIGH Wycombe will be linked to Oxford by rail for the first time in decades after plans for a new line were given the go-ahead today.

Chiltern Railways has been given the green light to build a new line at Bicester, which would connect Oxford with London.

This will enable Bucks residents to travel directly to Oxford for the first time since 1964, on the first new railway line to be built from the capital to a major city in 100 years.

Graham Cross, Business Development Director of Chiltern Railways said: "We are pleased to have been granted the power to proceed with this significant railway investment, which will benefit thousands of commuters and businesses in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. 

"The Oxford to London link is the latest in a long line of innovative Chiltern-led projects to upgrade the rail infrastructure, fuelled by our understanding of rail’s potential to make a significant contribution to economic growth and prosperity."

It is hoped services will be able to run from London to Oxford from 2015 at the conclusion of a £130m project.

As part of the scheme Chiltern Railways will build new stations in Bicester and in north Oxford.  The new parkway station in north Oxford will be located at Water Eaton and will be a multi-modal interchange, linking trains, buses, cars and bikes allowing passengers to avoid the congestion of central Oxford. 

Bicester Town station will also be redeveloped providing a first-class gateway to the town next to the popular Bicester Village fashion outlet centre. 

Concerns over the impact on wildlife delayed confirmation of the plans being given the green light.