Sizewell C has welcomed the first freight train to arrive on-site – signalling the start of a reduction in lorries arriving at the under- construction nuclear power station.
The train arrived at the project’s Temporary Construction Area via the new Green Rail Route, connecting the power station to the East Suffolk Line between Ipswich and Lowestoft.
Each train prevents the equivalent of around 50 HGVs from having to travel on local roads – with around 100,000 tonnes of material set to be delivered by rail between now and Christmas.
Damian Leydon, Site Delivery Director of Sizewell C, said: “The arrival of our first commercial freight train is a major milestone for Sizewell C and a significant step forward in how we build the project.
“The Green Rail Route is the result of years of planning, engineering, and collaboration with key partners.
“By delivering 60% of our materials by rail and sea, we’re significantly reducing the burden on local roads and local communities here in Suffolk.
“We want to deliver this project differently, minimising impacts and maximising the benefits for local communities – our rail plans are a big part of how we can achieve that.”
Up to four trains a day are expected to arrive on site at peak capacity, with two overnight services also set to deliver aggregates in the early stages of the project.
Trains will make a brief stop at Saxmundham for the next few weeks before continuing to site, with further Network Rail work expected later this year to reduce disruption for nearby residents.
Enyi Oji, Senior sponsor for Network Rail, said: “We’re really proud to have worked with Sizewell and across the rail industry to achieve this exciting milestone of the first construction train to use the new Green Rail Route.
“This is a testament to the commitment and collaboration of all involved.”
The Sizewell rail line had previously been used for passenger services before daily services ceased in 1966.
Work to reopen the line was delivered by Balfour Beatty.
Tom Emanuel, Project Lead for the Sizewell C Rail Scheme at Balfour Beatty, added: “Building a brand new railway is a rare undertaking in the UK, and this milestone reflects years of planning, engineering and delivery excellence.”
Once construction is complete, both the Green Rail Route and the line serving the ACA will be returned to their original condition, Sizewell C has said.
