First freight train arrives at Sizewell C construction site

The arrival - in the early hours of yesterday morning - marks a major milestone in the nuclear power station project near Leiston.

It reached the Temporary Construction Area (TCA) using the newly completed Green Rail Route (GRR).

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The first freight train has arrived at Sizewell C construction site near Leiston, Suffolk (Image: Sizewell C)

The GRR connects the upgraded Sizewell branch line directly to the TCA and is designed to deliver construction materials by rail, reducing reliance on road transport.

Damian Leydon, site delivery director at 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.

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"The Green Rail Route is the result of years of planning, engineering, and collaboration with key partners."

Each train is expected to remove the equivalent of around 50 HGV journeys from local roads.

Mr Leydon said: "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."

The first freight train has arrived at Sizewell C construction site near Leiston, Suffolk (Image: Sizewell C)

The rail route was developed with support from Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council, and Network Rail.

It forms part of Sizewell C’s commitment to transport at least 60% of its construction materials by sea or rail.

Network Rail will carry out upgrades to the East Suffolk Line later this year which will enable trains to travel directly to Sizewell C without stopping at Saxmundham.

Between now and Christmas, around 100,000 tonnes of material will be delivered to the project by rail, removing the equivalent of approximately 5,000 HGV journeys from local roads, Sizewell C says.

The first freight train has arrived at Sizewell C construction site near Leiston, Suffolk (Image: Sizewell C)

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."