The first GB Railfreight engineering train has arrived at the Sizewell C nuclear power project on the Suffolk coast, delivering aggregate to its Ancillary Construction Area.
The branch line connecting the project to the national network has been modernised by Balfour Beatty Rail, including renewal of 4.5 miles of track, replacement of jointed rail with continuously welded rail, level crossing upgrades and installation of a new signalling system. Sections of the East Suffolk line between Ipswich and Lowestoft have also been upgraded.
The delivered aggregate will support further development of the site’s rail infrastructure as freight volumes increase. At peak construction, up to four freight trains per day are planned, including services using the Green Rail Route, which will connect the branch line directly to the Temporary Construction Area, bypassing Leiston.
Sizewell C intends to transport 60% of construction materials by rail or sea. Each freight train is expected to remove around 50 truck movements from local roads.
The Sizewell branch line has seen limited traffic in recent decades, with no daily passenger services since 1966. Following completion of the power station, the Green Rail Route and the line serving the Ancillary Construction Area are scheduled to be reinstated to their original condition.
