The University of Cambridge is objecting to plans for a major new rail line set to come to Cambridgeshire.
While backing the scheme in principle, the university says the current design of the East West Rail (EWR) project poses significant risks to key research sites.
In particular, Cambridge University is concerned for the risks potentially posed to the world-renowned Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory (MRAO) at Lords Bridge.
Research at the MRAO has been recognised with two Nobel Prizes.
EWR is a £6 billion new railway between Oxford and Cambridge, passing through Bedford, Milton Keynes and Bicester.
The line's final route-wide consultation took place between April 14 and June 9 2026, before a Development Consent Order is submitted in 2027.
In a response to the consultation, the university also voiced concerns about potential disruption to sensitive facilities on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
MRAO, home to vital radio and optical astronomy research, relies on a highly controlled electromagnetic and low-vibration environment.
The university warns that increased electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ground-borne vibration from the railway could jeopardise long-term experiments and future discoveries.
In an official response to the consultation, Cambridge University laid out other key concerns, including ensuring access to university land and buildings is not restricted and ensuring that the University’s privately owned optical fibre network, the GBN, is not harmed or impacted by the railway.
The university also rejects the idea of “quiet windows” – planned periods when trains would be stopped or limited – as a solution, noting that unpredictable cosmic events may require immediate, uninterrupted observation.
It has called for either a route realignment to avoid the observatory or full at-source mitigation, such as tunnelling or shielding, to protect the site.
Beyond the MRAO, the university’s objections extend to other assets at risk of harm or disruption.
It raises concerns about the Anne McLaren Building (AMB) on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, where additional rail traffic could cause vibration, noise and EMI above levels accounted for during planning for Cambridge South Station.
In the absence of such commitments, the university warns that the EWR in its current form would have a “devastating” impact on UK radio astronomy and could undermine other critical research and teaching activities.
Natalie Wheble, External Affairs Director at East West Railway Company, said: “We appreciate the University of Cambridge’s continued engagement with East West Rail and their feedback on our latest consultation, which reflects the constructive and positive working relationship we have maintained since 2019 as the project has developed.
“The University acknowledges in its response that East West Rail will provide the connectivity and opportunities to expand academic collaboration, and that it could reduce journey times to its key sites by as much as 75%.
“We also note the importance of the issues they have raised and are now carefully analysing all feedback received during the consultation.
"This is part of a wider process to review all responses to ensure that stakeholder input is fully considered.
"We will continue to work collaboratively with the University of Cambridge and other stakeholders throughout this process.
"This includes exploring appropriate mitigation measures in partnership with the University as we continue to refine our proposals.”
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