Saxon Street, Bletchley, to Shut for Survey Work Before Major Rail Project

Drivers in Bletchley are being advised of a week-long closure of Saxon Street later this month, ahead of preparatory work to rebuild a railway bridge as part of the East West Rail project.

Saxon Street (B4034) will be closed to vehicles between Watling Street and Princes Way from 7am on Monday 12 January until late afternoon on Sunday 18 January 2026. The closure is required to allow rail engineers to carry out ground investigation surveys and vegetation clearance.

The work will support plans to replace the existing railway bridge, which dates back to the 1970s. Engineers need the survey information to finalise the design of the new structure, which will form part of the wider East West Rail scheme.

East West Rail is intended to connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge, improving transport links and access to employment, housing and leisure opportunities across the region. The bridge over Saxon Street will play a key role in supporting future passenger and freight services on the route.

While the road is closed, a clearly signed diversion will be in place for motorists. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to pass through the area throughout the works.

Network Rail and its East West Rail Alliance partners have written to residents and businesses nearby and are working closely with Milton Keynes City Council. The council will also use the closure period to refresh road markings and lining on Saxon Street, with the aim of reducing overall disruption by coordinating the works.

Edmund Waddelove, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said:

“We’d like to thank road users and business owners in advance for their patience while we complete these important surveys, which are needed ahead of a major project to rebuild the railway bridge spanning Saxon Street in Bletchley. The bridge provides an important rail connection for future passenger and freight services running on the new East West Rail route, so this vital work is needed to keep it safe and reliable for many years to come.”

Image: Network Rail