The railway line is set to be constructed in phased stages, with new stations and sections of track opening as soon as they are completed. A new entrance to Cambridge Station is proposed to make access more straightforward and deliver step-free access to all platforms, while the new Cambridge East Station is planned near Cambridge City Airport to help link the wider region through an improved Newmarket line and ease pressure on Cambridge Station. A new position on the north side of St Neots Road for the Cambourne station has been suggested to enable greater development close to the station.
Infrastructure modifications include lowering the railway height by six metres between Bourne Brook and Harlton, constructing a green bridge over the railway on the A603 Cambridge Road, and extending the tunnel length from 700m to 940m at Harlton Road. Hybrid electric and battery-equipped trains are scheduled to run along the railway to cut emissions and support net-zero objectives. The updated plans factor in the new Universal Resort near Bedford and the anticipated heightened passenger demand resulting from the development, with a station at Stewartby planned to serve the theme park.
A Universal Destinations and Experiences official said the site selection was based on its central location and excellent transport links, adding that East West Rail could further improve connectivity with a proposed station enhancing guest and team member arrival. The core service will deliver four five-carriage trains per hour throughout the entire route, with an additional fifth train operating during peak periods or all day if necessary; this fifth train could be utilised to facilitate service extensions to destinations beyond the EWR route. Fulbourn could become the location for a train care centre where trains can be stored overnight.
The exact timeline for the phased construction and opening of new stations remains unspecified, and the estimated cost and final approval status of the revised proposal have not been disclosed.