The Felixstowe doubling scheme has been approved by the Secretary of State for Transport.
The £60.4 million scheme will enable up to 47 freight trains per day to run on the branch from Felixstowe, an increase of 14 per day. The work will be completed in summer 2019, with extra passenger trains able to run from December 2019. Network Rail said that additional freight trains will start running from spring 2019 on the route.
A second track will be installed between Trimley station and Grimston Lane foot crossing. Network Rail will deliver the project, and in the coming months will start vegetation clearing ahead of construction.
Network Rail’s Anglia Route Managing Director Meliha Duymaz said: “We’re supporting the growth of the UK economy by enabling more goods to be transported on the railway and reducing the number of lorries on the road.”
Funding comes via the Strategic Freight Network, with Hutchison Ports UK paying a contribution. NR has also submitted a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to close six level crossings as part of the project. A public inquiry will be held next year. Four level crossings will also be upgraded.
AndrewJGwilt1989 - 03/10/2017 12:29
About time too. Except it will not see overhead wires extended to Felixstowe as the electrification isn't necessary.