East West Rail and Little Shelford
East West Rail confirms its plans for Little Shelford
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Hauxton Road railway crossing will close permanently
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Therer will be no new bridge or underpass at the current crossing
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Noise barriers will be introduced for homes near the crossing
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A new road and bridge will link Little Shelford and Hauxton which will also be used by pedestrians
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The changes are expected to be in place by the mid 2030s.
East West Rail (EWR) have confirmed the rail changes for Little Shelford which will split the village.
"The Hauxton Road level crossing would be closed and a new road bridge over the railway would be provided west of Little Shelford, linking High Street with Newton Road. Pedestrians, cyclists and other users of the existing crossing would also be able to use this road bridge," the latest EWR consultation document states.
"At the previous consultation, we asked for feedback on whether an extra footbridge should be provided east of the existing level crossing to supplement the new bridge to the west. Taking account of feedback and local engagement, we have decided not to provide this here due to its visual impact on local properties, as well as the cost and construction impacts.
"Additionally, overall travel distances and times would not be improved for the majority of users travelling between Hauxton and Little Shelford due to the length of ramped structure needed to cross the railway."
A plea for a pedestrian underpass at a public meeting in February has been dismissed.
"Noise barriers would be installed alongside sections of the railway on both sides where it crosses Hauxton Road," the consultation document states. EWR will result in an additional four to five trains an hour. None will stop in Little Shelford.
"To maintain local connectivity, we propose to build a new route for pedestrians and cyclists along the north of the railway between Hauxton Road and Cambridge Road at Great Shelford. This would provide a safe and dedicated active travel route for communities. Our proposals include a new pedestrian link from Harston through to Little Shelford, connecting to Jenny’s Path and providing further onward connections towards the DNA cycle path and Cambridge South station."
There is a special consultation session at Shelford Rugby Club from 2pm to 7pm on May 1st.
The changes will be in place by the mid 2030s.
You can see the consultation document here.
The deadline for responses is June 9 2026.
Posted April 16 2026.
An East West Rail drawing showing the new road from next to the motorway bridge in High Street, Hauxton to Newton Road in Little Shelford.
Life on the ‘other side’ of the railway crossing
East West Rail want to permanently close the Hauxton Road railway crossing. East West Rail have confirmed that they will not provide a footbridge over the crossing. This is the impact on one family in Hauxton Road.
Many people in Little Shelford will already know that East West Rail plan to permanently close the Hauxton Road railway crossing.
What fewer people may realise is how deeply that crossing is woven into the everyday lives of the small number of families who live on the Hauxton side of the tracks — including ours.
We have three children: Amélie, who is 9; Orla, who is 6; and Lucia, who is just 4 months old. On a normal day, we cross the railway several times a day (as seen in the photo above.)
We walk over it to get to school, to pop into the village, to visit friends, and to reach the GP or the shops. It isn’t a special journey — it’s simply how we move around our village.
Being able to do those things on foot matters, especially in a village where the roads are already very busy, particularly at school drop-off and pick-up times. The crossing allows us to walk directly into the heart of Little or Great Shelford, rather than taking a long diversion by road or adding another car to already crowded streets.
Amélie is now at an age where she’s starting to value a bit of independence. She’s become really excited about being able to walk to and from school, and about the small freedoms that come with that — something that feels like an important milestone for her, and for us as parents. That independence depends on the crossing being there. Under the current plans, once it closes, even walking to places that are literally a stone’s throw from our house would mean a long detour along a new, isolated road. Driving to visit friends, or to reach the centre of the village, would quickly become the default.
Looking further ahead, we’d like Orla, Lucia and other children in Little Shelford to grow up with the same opportunities — to walk to school, to walk to friends’ houses for play dates, and to gradually explore their independence in a way that feels safe and familiar. These everyday journeys are a big part of what makes village life feel connected.
The issue also extends beyond families with children. Longer, indirect walking routes make everyday trips much harder for people with limited mobility — whether that’s someone using a wheelchair or mobility scooter, a parent with a pushchair, an older resident, or someone temporarily injured or unwell. Direct, well-used walking routes matter most to the people who rely on them most.
There are 13 homes in this position, but this isn’t really about numbers. It’s about whether people can continue to move around Little Shelford naturally and independently on foot, without needing to get into a car for journeys that are currently short, simple and part of daily life.
We understand why rail safety matters, and we’re not opposed to the railway improvements. What we’re asking for is something simple and proportionate: if the existing crossing is taken away, there should be a safe, accessible pedestrian bridge so families — and anyone who relies on walking — aren’t effectively cut off from the rest of the village.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be asking residents to support a petition calling for a pedestrian bridge to be included in the plans. I hope this is something our village can come together on — not just for those of us directly affected now, but for the kind of walkable, connected village we want Little Shelford to remain.
Carl Anderson
Carl has also launched an East West Rail petition.
A spokesperson for East West Railway Company said:
“Hauxton Road level crossing will be closed to comply with rail safety standards due to the proposed increase in the number of trains along the line.
“We realise this decision may cause some inconvenience to users of the current crossing, however, to maintain access we are proposing an active travel solution that better links local people to the primary school. More information on this solution is due to be presented to residents at upcoming engagement events.
“Even if a footbridge solution at the level crossing was feasible, constraints at this location would still entail a significant walking distance which may not be much shorter compared to the new road alignment route which will have a foot/cycle way.”
*An informal short survey was carried out in January 2026 which indicates what Little Shelford residents think about a number of East West Rail issues that are likely to impact on the village.
Posted Feb 17 2026
East West Rail Little Shelford survey
Most people in Little Shelford don't want the Hauxton Road railway crossing to close according to a new survey.
And the vast majority of people in the village want to see a new footbridge over the railway created if the crossing is closed.
The proposals to close the crossing and not provide a replacement footbridge have been made as part of the East West Rail changes for Little Shelford.
An informal short survey was carried out in January 2026 to better understand what Little Shelford residents think about a number of East West Rail issues that are likely to impact on the village. 127 people from the village population of 613 adults responded to the survey.
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More than 74% of respondents said that the Hauxton Road crossing shouldn't be closed. Just over 21% said closing the crossing is a good idea.
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More than 80% of people who responded said there should be a new footbridge if the crossing is closed. Only 9% of people said the bridge is unnecessary.
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A new road between Hauxton Road and Newton Road is proposed (details below). 40% of people who responded said the junction of the road with Newton Road should have a mini roundabout. 33% of people said it should be a normal T-junction.
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48% of people who responded said the priorities of the junction at the end of Newton Road with Hauxton Road should change. 28% of people said the priorities should stay the same.
The full survey results can be seen here.
The survey was independent of East West Rail as well as Little Shelford Parish Council. However, the results will be shared with both parties to help shape and influence any final decisions.
*The results will be shared at the special East West Rail meeting in Little Shelford on February 16. The event at the Memorial Hall in Little Shelford will start at 7.30pm.
Updated Jan 19 2026
Major East West Rail developments for Little Shelford
The Hauxton Road railway crossing is now almost certain to be closed permanently as part of the East West Rail (EWR) proposals)
Plans for a new pedestrian bridge over the railway appear to have been dismissed by EWR officials because of a lack of support for the bridge in Little Shelford.
The developments come as it has emerged that there will be up to five additional trains an hour on the new East West rail route through the village.
The details have emerged following a meeting between East West Rail Representatives and Parish Councillors in early November.
"It is planned that the current automated level crossing on Hauxton Road, even as an upgraded full barrier crossing, will not be adequate with the proposed additional trains from East West Rail," the Parish Council said in a statement.
"It would effectively be closed continuously at peak times. It is believed the only option is to close the level crossing.
"East West Rail are also no longer proposing to build a pedestrian bridge alongside Hauxton Road due predominantly to a space constraint in the area," the Parish Council revealed.
"Instead, both pedestrians and road users will use the new road bridge they propose from Newton Road. Walking around the new bridge roadway will only be around 100 metres longer than crossing the long pedestrian bridge would have been but the whole redirection will take longer for pedestrians.
"The Parish Council’s suggestion of a roundabout on Newton Road for the junction with the new road proposed has been rejected due to sight lines and positioning constraints with the existing M11 bridge. Instead, there will be a T-Junction with the new road and speed restrictions."
The Parish Council statement also revealed that EWR is exploring the opportunity for the creation of a new active travel route from Hauxton Level Crossing alongside the rail track on the East Side of the railway to meet “Jenny’s Path” in Great Shelford allowing access to Shelford Primary School and will continue through to a new ramped footbridge over the West Anglia Mainline to connect to the DNA Path in Great Shelford.
A spokesperson for East West Railway Company said:
The Bridge
"We are not proposing to include a pedestrian bridge at the location, but it is for reasons more complex than just lack of support. This is it is based on detailed analysis of responses and study that explored multiple options for a crossing at the location and considered multiple factors including travel distances, space constraints, environmental impacts consideration of alternative solutions. EWR will present on this at the meeting in February.
"It shall be approx 150m shorter using the new bridge roadway than the long pedestrian bridge between M11/Hauxton Road and Newton Road/Hauxton Road junctions i.e. travellers starting or ending their journeys at Hauxton and the southern end of Little Shelford.
It shall be on average approximately 100m longer for users to properties situated between Newton Road/Hauxton Road and the southern side of the existing level crossing, compared to using the ramped footbridge, because they would have to travel south onto the Newton Road in order to access the new road bridge.
"The most impacted persons in terms of overall time increase as a result of the level crossing closure would be those nearest the existing level crossing. Assuming the two nearest properties residents wanted to walk to each others' homes around the new road bridge realignment the time would take slightly less than 13 minutes and less than 4 minutes to cycle (assuming travelling at average speeds)."
"We are planning to do some more community engagement in the new year with another consultation on the latest designs scheduled for later in 2026, which will help your readers understand that our updated proposals at this stage are still not ‘final’."
*Cambridgeshire County Council have come out strongly in favour of a bridge in Hauxton Road. A report to their Highways and Transport Committee on Jan 21 2026 states:
"A footbridge should be built in addition to a road bridge to replace Hauxton Rd level crossing – we believe that a footbridge is essential because as the proposal in Option 4 also needs to ensure no loss of connectivity for cyclist/ walkers to destinations beyond Hauxton. In terms of cycling, recent residential developments north of Hauxton along with a segregated route that is already in place towards Trumpington and potentially Addenbrookes aims to encourage active travel. By the commencement of the construction of this section of East West Rail, the number of cyclists using the route could have significantly increased and as a consequence a bridge to replace the Hauxton crossing will be essential. (This route is shown on the Cambridge City Cycle Map towards Cambridge)."
Approximate Future dates according to Little Shelford Parish Council:
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There will be further consultation sometime after April 2026.
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The Development Consent Order submission would probably occur in 2027
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The bridge and construction will take place in the summer of 2031.
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Level Crossing Closure is predicted to happen in 2034.
Updated March 4 2026.
East West Rail - Little Shelford Parish Council's view
Little Shelford Parish Council’s Response to the East West Rail Non Statutory Consultation following an Open Meeting and Questionnaire Response. At the Parish Council we remain opposed to the EWR decision to take a southern approach to Cambridge. We continue to support the work of Cambridge Approaches and others in trying to reverse this decision through detailed analysis and challenge. It is important that we respond in detail about the potential impact of EWR’s plans on Little Shelford. We held a drop-in session on the afternoon of December 8th in the Memorial Hall to hear villager’s views. As you will know, EWR would close the Hauxton Road level crossing and their consultation specifically asks for opinions about whether we would support the provision of a pedestrian bridge, as well as the planned new road crossing the railway to join Newton Road. During the consultation period it became clear that such a bridge might be used less than envisaged, because of its long ramps. The Parish Council decided to get the views of those most directly affected by the level crossing closure, on Hauxton Road between Newton Road and the M11, and Moor Close. Questionnaires were delivered to more than 65 households and we received 28 completed responses. In the vast majority of cases the respondent said they would make regular use of a pedestrian bridge. Consequently, the PC continue to support the provision of a pedestrian bridge, but with reservations. This is what the PC said about the pedestrian bridge in its consultation response (Q19b):
"Little Shelford Parish Council (LSPC) is not convinced that it is necessary to close the Hauxton Road level crossing. Our experience is that, with the current 12 movements an hour, each causing the barriers to be lowered for 30 seconds, there are no traffic delays. This would not change significantly with the addition of 8 further trains an hour. If there are reasons why the current crossing type (half barrier) is not suitable, then EWR need to be clearer why that is the case.
Closing the level crossing will have the effect of splitting the Little Shelford community. We are pleased to see that a new road is planned, but this only provides connectivity. It will not compensate for the social isolation of those living on the west side of the railway.
A new pedestrian bridge would help to compensate for this social split. It would also provide access from either side of Hauxton Road to any active travel corridor heading towards Cambridge.
In order to gauge potential usage of a new pedestrian bridge, LSPC sent out a questionnaire to those households most likely to be affected by the closure of the level crossing (Moor Close and most of Hauxton Road). There was a good response, sufficient to provide some consensus:
· Residents don’t see that the increase in rail traffic necessitates closing the level crossing
· Almost 90% would use a new pedestrian bridge, but there is some strong opposition to having one
· Around half of pedestrian bridge users say they would use it to access Hauxton Road or Moor Close addresses on the other side of the railway – i.e. very close to them
· There is positive interest in new ‘active’ paths that provide connectivity toward Cambridge
LSPC is dismayed by the size, usability (due to the ramp length), visual impact and industrial style of the proposed pedestrian bridge.
· We urge EWR to look at further design options to enhance its usability. Highways design standard CD 353 does allow higher ramp gradients in special circumstances, which surely apply here. Adding steps could also increase its usage
· The height of the bridge is obviously fixed but the crossing point needs to be moved as far from Hauxton Road as possible to protect the privacy of nearby residents. For the same reason, the bridge should be screened on the southern side
· Pedestrian safety in the dark should be enhanced with the provision of movement activated lighting
LSPC strongly supports the provision of the pedestrian bridge because it helps to maintain the local community and potentially provides connectivity to a wider network but is not satisfied with its design. EWR need to continue engaging with the local community to develop further options before the statutory consultation.”
There will be other consequences within Little Shelford. The Parish Council responded to Q20 as follows:
"EWR have made encouraging noises about supporting active travel. The area around Little Shelford is poorly served for foot and cycle paths. If EWR are able to make a substantive improvement in off-road connectivity locally that would be positive factor for local residents. A desirable new route would be one that ran alongside the railway towards Cambridge, connecting with the permissive path at the Rectory farm level crossing, and reaching the ‘DNA’ path off Granhams Road. Connectivity via the pedestrian bridge at Hauxton Road would make it accessible from Hauxton or the Shelfords.
LSPC is pleased to see that EWR have recognised the need for a redesign of the junction between Hauxton Road and Newton Road, when the latter will be carrying considerably more traffic. This junction, and the nearby one between Church St and Hauxton Road/High Street are the sites of some historic village buildings. Further work is required on the impact of changing traffic flows before the statutory consultation.
The parish council has been monitoring traffic speeds for a number of years. Traffic coming into the village along Newton Road is consistently far too fast in the built-up area. LSPC request that EWR add a mini roundabout where the new road meets Newton Road. This would have the effect of slowing inbound traffic, essential for traffic management and road safety.
The plans for the reworking of London Road / Shelford Road junction caused by the new London Road bridge crossing the railway appear unduly complex.
The planned construction compound on Newton Road to the east of the M11 will be a significant blight for local homeowners. EWR should consider making use of land on the other side of the M11, where there are no residents. LSPC would like this area to be returned as amenity land when construction is complete.” Posted Feb 8 2025
13 houses cut off from the rest of Little Shelford
Thirteen houses in Little Shelford will be cut off from the rest of the village when the Hauxton Road railway crossing is closed.
The houses affected are at 67 to 83 Hauxton Road, Little Shelford.
The houses are all on the Hauxton side of the railway crossing.
East West Rail WILL travel through Little Shelford
The new East West Rail route between Cambridge and Oxford will travel through Little Shelford a new report has confirmed.
The announcement will mean an additional four trains an hour through the village, increasing train noise.
It could also mean the closure of the existing Hauxton Road crossing
East West Rail (EWR) is a major new railway connecting Oxford and Cambridge.
If the proposals go ahead, it will mean more trains using the existing trainline along with additional rail lines through Little and Great Shelford. The impact on the two villages would be significant.
The proposals could mean the closure of the railway crossing in Hauxton Road, Little Shelford.
Campaigners against the proposals argued that a northern route into Cambridge from Bedford would be more sensible.
Possible changes to the railway at Little Shelford
EWR is considering permanently closing or improving the Little Shelford level crossing in Hauxton Road at the location of the current level crossing.
The EWR consultation document stated; "There are a number of options we are considering for the Hauxton Road level crossing:
• Building a bridge or an underpass at the existing level crossing
• Closure with provision of a pedestrian/cycle bridge
• Permanent diversion either with provision of a new highway or along other existing local roads.”
It is believed that there is not enough room for a new bridge or underpass for cars in Hauxton Road. This would mean that Little Shelford would be split in two, with some Little Shelford homes split off from the rest of the village on the Hauxton side of the tracks.
Changes to the railway in Great Shelford
The proposed new line will run alongside the existing King’s Cross line through the Shelfords before merging with the Liverpool Street line in Great Shelford.
Under the current proposals, EWR has stated that this junction, located to the west of Granham’s Road in Great Shelford and known for historical reasons as the Shepreth Branch Junction, will need to be re-built to accommodate the additional trains. This may require the King’s Cross line to cross the Liverpool Street line on a new bridge in Great Shelford, before the four tracks merge and run side-by-side into Cambridge Station. Technically, this is known as a grade-separated junction because the railways cross at different heights.
Assuming this happens, the impact on Great Shelford will be significant. The bridge structure is expected to be many hundreds of metres long (perhaps over a kilometre) and several metres high – roughly the height of the current footbridge across the railway. The new structure may be located south of Addenbrooke’s Road bridge as that is where there is most space, but EWR has not said.
At present, only two tracks run into Cambridge. But this will become four tracks under the proposed new layout. To accommodate the widened railway, the DNA cycle path running alongside the current tracks will probably need to be moved according to the proposals.
The campaign group fighting the proposals are also concerned about freight. The tracks will be built to handle freight and freight trains run on diesel. This would increase noise and pollution in the Shelfords.
Other layouts are possible, some with less potential to cause harm to Great Shelford (for example a flat junction at Shepreth Branch Junction). But considering the evidence, a bridge is likely to be EWR’s preferred option.
Links
The Shelfords’ EWR Action Group. The objective of the group is to persuade East West Rail to conduct a full consultation on both a southern and northern approach to Cambridge. mailto:gt-shelford-ewr-action@googlegroups.com
Cambridge Approaches action group
CamBed RailRoad (CBRR) created an alternative route option known as the northern approach as it connects via north Cambridge stations - full details can be found on their website www.cambedrailroad.org
Posted March 16 2023
Links to other Little Shelford website pages
www.littleshelford.online/news
www.greatshelford.online/events
www.littleshelford.online/fun-weekend
www.littleshelford.online/parish-council
www.littleshelford.online/community-groups
www.littleshelford.online/businesses
www.littleshelford.online/pavilion
www.littleshelford.online/village-hall-wale-rec
www.littleshelford.online/village-people
www.littleshelford.online/health
www.littleshelford.online/planning
www.littleshelford.online/community-orchard
www.littleshelford.online/environment
www.littleshelford.online/history
www.littleshelford.online/phonebox-library
www.littleshelford.online/newsletter
www.littleshelford.online/scambs