DRS begins new three-year aggregates flow - first phase to save more than 2,000 lorry journeys

DRS has begun operating a new flow that will carry more than 46,400 tonnes of aggregate over the next two months.

The first load of 750 tonnes, spread across ten new JNA-Z box wagons, was transported from Shap quarry to Nuclear Waste Services’ Low Level Waste repository site near Drigg on January 31.

The flow will be run in several stages over the next three years. DRS said that 64 trains (two per day, four times a week) will run in the first stage up until March 31, which is estimated to save 2,320 lorry journeys. The first load was the equivalent of 36 HGVs.

The material is needed to replace a protective barrier over legacy disposal trenches at the Cumbrian site.

Gottfried Eymer, NTS Rail Managing Director, said: “Rail is the obvious choice for bulk movements like these, taking many thousands of lorries off the road, reducing congestion, and improving the environment.

“This is the first of many movements for our box wagons, and I look forward to seeing them running across the country.”

Trains run north from Shap towards Carlisle before heading south on the Cumbrian Coast Line.