Rail freight services to Felixstowe are set to markedly improve with the announcement of a £60M scheme to double track a branch line serving the Suffolk port.

 

Track installation will take place between Trimley station and Grimston Lane, allowing up to 47 freight trains to run each day, 14 more than can currently run on the single line. Each train can carry the equivalent of 60 lorry loads, helping to reduce pressure on busy roads such as the nearby A14.

 

Network Rail’s route managing director for the Anglia region Meliha Duymaz said the project will provide “a step change for rail freight” to Felixstowe, allowing more goods to be transported on the railway and a reduction in the number of lorries on the roads.

 

The project will be financed through the Strategic Freight Network fund, with a contribution from Hutchison Ports UK. Network Rail has also submitted plans to close six level crossings along the route and to upgrade four crossings as part of the project. A public inquiry will be held early next year.

 

But the Felixstowe announcement follows news from the Office of Rail & Road that total freight train kilometres travelled in Great Britain fell by 3% last year to 34M kilometres, the lowest figure since 2010. Total freight train movements in 2016/17 stood at 223,800, down from 236,300 last year and 282,300 two years ago.

 

(Photo: Network Rail)