An order made under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA) is the standard mechanism for authorising schemes primarily involving new railways or tramways in England and Wales. It can also apply to other transport schemes, such as guided busways. Applications are submitted by the promoters of the scheme.
The Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) process allows any interested party to express their views before a decision is made by the relevant Secretary of State—typically, the Secretary of State for Transport in the case of transport-related matters.
The purpose of the process is to enable the Secretary of State to make an informed, unbiased decision on whether granting the TWAO is in the public interest. Each application is assessed carefully, and all representations are taken into account—sometimes through a public inquiry. The Secretary of State may decide to make the order (with or without modifications) or to reject it entirely.
For more detailed information, please refer to the government's guidance document.
Transport and Works Act Orders in Greater Cambridge
Cambridge South Station is a new railway station being developed by Network Rail within the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. In June 2021, Network Rail submitted a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application for the station and its infrastructure. Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council were consulted and took part in the public inquiry. The Secretary of State granted the TWAO on 21 December 2022.
Cambridge South Station is expected to be substantially complete by late summer
2025, with public services beginning in early 2026.
Visit Cambridge South Station on the Network Rail website for further information on this project.
The Cambourne to Cambridge project aims to deliver a new dedicated public transport route between Cambourne and Cambridge, improving connectivity along the A428 corridor. Led by the Greater Cambridge Partnership, the scheme includes a segregated busway linking Cambourne, Bourn Airfield, Hardwick, West Cambridge, and the city centre, alongside walking and cycling improvements.
The project also features a new Travel Hub at Scotland Farm, with potential for another near Cambourne, offering park & ride facilities and secure cycle parking.
Visit Cambourne to Cambridge Scheme on the Greater Cambridge Partnership website for further information on this project.
The Waterbeach to Cambridge scheme, developed by the Greater Cambridge Partnership, aims to improve public transport, cycling, and walking links between the planned new town at Waterbeach and Cambridge city centre.
Proposals include a new public transport route, upgraded walking and cycling infrastructure, and connections to Cambridge North Station and employment hubs such as the Science Park and Business Park.
Visit Waterbeach to Cambridge Scheme on the Greater Cambridge Partnership website for further information on this project.
This scheme is being developed by the Greater Cambridge Partnership. The project is made up of 2 phases:
- Phase 1 of CSET focuses on road safety, walking, cycling, and bus priority along the A1307 between Haverhill and Cambridge
- Phase 2 of the project (CSET2) proposes a new guided busway connecting Cambridge Biomedical Campus with Granta Park and Babraham Research Campus.
The CSET2 busway will span 8.5 kilometres, with part of the route running alongside the existing railway line and adjacent to Cambridge South Station (currently under construction). The busway will then pass to the north-east and east of the villages of Great Shelford, Stapleford, and Sawston. A proposed Travel Hub will be located near the A11, between Granta Park and Babraham Research Campus is also proposed.
Visit Cambridge South East Transport Scheme on the Greater Cambridge Partnership website for further information on this project.