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Network Rail to increase freight capacity on Western route
Over the next five years, Network Rail plans to promote the growth of rail freight services, taking vehicles off the road and providing a sustainable, green option for transporting heavy goods.
At a site in Thorney Mill, West Drayton, Network Rail has been supporting the Ashville Group to open a new freight yard adjacent to the London-based company’s existing aggregate base.
The project will revive an old rail siding, which is no longer in use, to allow the Ashville Group to place more loads onto freight trains.
The new track layout will enable capacity for 26 freight wagons. At present, the yard only has capacity to accept 24.
Currently, without the use of the sidings, hauls from the Ashville Group site must use a section of branch line to manoeuvre to and from the loading area, so the new capacity being built will allow increased maintenance access to the line, improving infrastructure reliability for freight operators.
The new track layout of the sidings will also enable freight trains to complete a ‘run round’ on site, reducing journey times and carbon emissions. At present, trains have to travel further down the branch line to complete this type of manoeuvre.
The owner of the Ashville Group, Daniel Ashville Louisy, has plans to use solar power at the yard, further boosting the green credentials of the operation. As part of the restoration of the freight sidings at Thorney Mill, Network Rail carried out essential repairs to the branch line that services the Ashville Group yard earlier this year.
These projects form an integral part of Network Rail’s plan to boost freight capacity on Western route, which runs from Paddington to Penzance.
Jess Lippett, senior regional freight manager for Network Rail’s Wales and Western region, said: “Rail freight is a vital part of our infrastructure, providing a fast, green, safe and efficient way of transporting goods.
“In the Wales and Western region, we have plans to grow freight capacity by 7%, taking heavy goods off the roads and reducing the carbon footprint of each journey. Just one freight train can remove up to 76 lorries from the roads, with every tonne of material carried by rail reducing carbon emissions by 75% when compared with road transport.”
Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Advisor, Ellis Shelton, said: “It’s great to see Network Rail’s plans to expand and improve rail freight services on the Western Route. This development underscores the crucial role of the rail industry in the nation's logistics.
“It is vital that the logistics sector works together to promote rail freight adoption among new businesses, invest in modern facilities and leverage data technology, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach.
"It is also essential that the government supports a sustainable and efficient future for freight by investing in rail infrastructure.”
Published On: 15/08/2024 14:00:00
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