The Secretary of State for Transport gives notice under section 14(1)(b), (2A) (3A) and (3AA) of the Transport and Works Act 1992 (“the Act”) that he has determined under section 13(1) of the Act to make with modifications the Network Rail (Hitchin (Cambridge Junction)) Order (“the Order”).

The Order was applied for by Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (“NR”) of Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG. It will authorise NR to construct and operate a new section of railway to the north of Hitchin Station which would enable rail services from Hitchin to Cambridge to pass over the East Coast Main Line at a separate grade from services operating along that line. It would also authorise the compulsory acquisition of land and rights in land. Copies of the Order, once made, may be obtained from the Stationery Office or through booksellers.

The Secretary of State has, pursuant to section 14(1)(a) of the Act, given notice of his determination by way of a decision letter dated 28 March 2011, copies of which may be obtained from the TWA Orders Unit, Department for Transport, Zone 1/31, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DR. This letter, taken with the Secretary of State’s “minded to approve” letter dated 20 October 2010, gives the reasons for the determination and the considerations upon which it is based; information about the public participation process; and information regarding the right to challenge the validity of the determination and the procedures for doing so.

The Secretary of State confirms that, before making his determination, he considered the environmental statement provided by NR and all objections and other representations relating to it, and that he otherwise complied with the obligations referred to in section 14(3A) of the Act. For the purposes of section 14(3AA), he confirms that the main measures to avoid, reduce and, if possible, remedy any major adverse environmental effects are those referred to in paragraph 43 of the “minded to approve” letter referred to above.

Ellis Harvey, Head of the TWA Orders Unit, Department for Transport, Zone 1/31, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR