Eco-friendly freight improvements planned for Ely

Date: 1/3/2012

New rail loops are being constructed near Ely Station in Cambridgeshire to help make rail freight transportation more eco-friendly.

Work is being carried out by Network Rail and will see two 775m loops run parallel to the existing track along the cross-country Felixstowe to Nuneaton route.

These will allow trains to carry larger, high-cube containers and mean the UK is better able to compete in the global goods market.

Trains will be able to take a more direct route from the Port of Felixstowe to markets in north-west England, Scotland and the West Midlands.

Network Rail Senior Sponsor Tim Cook said: "This project will help to take up to 750,000 lorry journeys off the road every year by 2030, reducing traffic congestion, improving road safety and reducing carbon emissions by around three-quarters."

It is hoped the project will be complete by summer 2013 and it is part of a wider scheme to improve rail freight transportation.

The organisation is also replacing the A27 bridge Romsey from March 31st, as this will allow trains carrying larger freight containers to pass underneath.

Posted by Nick Anderson