The East West Rail project's preparatory work has hit a major milestone, with 1,000 trial trenches excavated in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Among the significant discoveries are Roman coins, including one featuring Emperor Carausius (c. AD 250-293), which once commanded a Roman fleet in the English Channel. The finds also include a Late Iron Age vase and pottery pieces, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who lived in these areas thousands of years ago.
Mike Court, historic environment lead at EWR Co, stresses that this is a crucial stage in securing permission for the railway's construction through the Development Consent Order (DCO) process. "Our extensive environmental assessment ensures that our design and delivery respect both the environment and shared heritage," he explains.
Before any excavation begins, geophysical surveys pinpoint areas of potential archaeological interest. Archaeologists then meticulously excavate targeted sections within the trenches to gain a deeper understanding of the age, condition, and significance of discovered features. Joss Piper-Jarrett, archaeology survey manager at EWR Co, describes it as "a truly special experience" to encounter these ancient features for the first time in potentially thousands of years.
The project anticipates undertaking approximately 6,000 archaeological trial trenches across the entire route over two years, providing a comprehensive picture of past human activity. Once excavated, all finds undergo rigorous cleaning, analysis, and recording before being added to the archaeological archive, contributing to the nation's understanding of its history.
EWR Co has confirmed it will submit its DCO application in 2027, marking a significant step towards realising the railway. The company also reaffirms its commitment to working closely with landowners and local communities throughout this extensive process, minimising disruption caused by archaeological and construction activities.