Unused Welsh freight line brought back to life

Date: 18/1/2012

Network Rail has brought an unused stretch of freight line in Wales back into use - a move with positive environmental consequences.

The eight-mile route at Cwmgwrach will be utilised by Unity Mine to transport coal to Aberthaw.

It is estimated an increase in freight traffic over the next 30 years would result in an additional 1.5 million lorry journeys on British roads.

However, this latest move will see each freight train carry the equivalent of 60 trucks worth of produce, thus reducing the negative impact on the environment.

Network Rail's Route Managing Director for Wales Mark Langman said: "Almost £700 million of social and environment benefits each year can be attributed to freight traffic on Britain's railways."

He added that rail transportation offers a "cheaper, quicker and more practical alternative" to using roads for businesses.

Earlier this month, the organisation revealed it has submitted plans to make £40 million worth of improvements to the rail infrastructure between Swansea and Gowerton in Wales.

Posted by Nick Anderson