UK-based rail freight operator DB Cargo UK and Mexico’s CEMEX has opened a pop-up rail depot adjacent to West Coast Mainline in Warrington, Cheshire.
The newly installed depot will serve the UK’s North West construction market and reduce the number of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) transporting materials from the High Peak countryside.
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The temporary site will handle around 125,000t of aggregates each year and includes a ready-made weighbridge and office.
The aggregates are shipped from Dove Holes Quarry in Derbyshire on two weekly services, with each train transporting nearly 1,540t. Up to 150 HGVs would be required to carry these by road.
CEMEX’s rail and sea head Mark Grimshaw-Smith said: "A pop-up rail depot can be installed in weeks rather than months and gives the flexibility to move aggregates from quarries to areas where they are needed, especially in the short-term.
"So with the right piece of land close to the rail network you can create a depot."
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By GlobalDataThe new depot aims to provide environmental benefits as rail freight produces around 76% less carbon dioxide than HGVs.
Grimshaw-Smith added: "Rail has considerable economic and environmental benefits compared to road transportation with significant CO2 savings."
DB Cargo UK will also help unloading the aggregates at Warrington, where they are later shipped to local concrete plants and construction sites by road.
Image: The newly installed pop up rail depot will serve the UK’s North West construction market. Photo: courtesy of Deutsche Bahn AG.
