Contractor callout to join £6bn East West Rail project

East West Rail (EWR) has alerted the construction supply chain to a package of works and professional services required for the delivery of the major rail project connecting Oxford and Cambridge. 

East West Railway Company (EWR Co.) is seeking suppliers for client-side support services and railway systems, enabling and main works civil engineering, as well as the construction of stations and depots, as part of its commercial strategy. 

Supplier engagement will begin with an initial, virtual briefing session, setting out EWR Co’s plans, on 14 May 2025, between 12:30pm – 1:30pm.  

This will be followed by a market sounding briefing and questionnaire, inviting potential suppliers to provide feedback. 

To attend the event, register as a supplier on the EWR/Jaggaer portal by 9 May, at 12pm (noon). 

“The scale of the EWR project and the complexity of developing new line and structures (stations and depots) with existing track means it is critical to ensure we have the best suppliers on board,” said EWR Co.  

“To achieve this, we recognise the importance of building the right commercial model to attract strong competition and incentivise collaborative working across the supply chain.” 

Adding: “All registered suppliers will receive an email confirming whether they have been invited to the event.” 

The Department for Transport (DfT) committed to funding EWR, specifically the section between Oxford, Aylesbury Vale Parkway, and Bedford, in 2012, following the project’s adoption the year before.  

When complete, EWR will connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge, through a new direct rail line. 

It is estimated to cost between £5.7 billion and £6.6 billion, inclusive of construction costs, planning, and potential upgrades.