Trains at Felixstowe Port. Credit: Network Rail.

The UK’s Network Rail is set to start £60.4m engineering works to upgrade the Felixstowe branch next month as part of its Railway Upgrade Plan.

The project will involve upgrading the single track branch line by installing a 1.4km track loop near Trimley Station.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The additional track will increase the frequency of freight trains, as well as improve the reliability of existing passenger services on the line.

Additionally, several level crossings will be modernised to enable smooth bi-directional operations as part of the work.

“The long-term strategy to move more freight by rail is good for the UK economy and will lessen traffic.”

Network Rail Anglia route managing director Meliha Duymaz said: “This is a significant upgrade to one of the most important freight routes in the country.

“This work will help us to meet the demand for freight to and from Felixstowe port, and at the same time, increase reliability for passenger services.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“The long-term strategy to move more freight by rail is good for the UK economy and will lessen the traffic on busy roads like the A14.”

After the completion of upgrade works, the branch line is expected to support an additional ten freight trains in each direction to and from the Port of Felixstowe.

Each train is estimated to take off up to 76 trucks from the road, thereby reducing road congestion and pollution in the region.

Network Rail freight and national passenger operations managing director Paul McMahon said: “This is a vital first step to growing capacity on the network to meet the needs of our customers.

“The £60m investment by the Strategic Freight Network is set to deliver an additional ten paths in each direction by 2019.”

A majority of the upgrade works will take place on the weekends and are expected to be completed by second half of next year.