The first aggregate to arrive by train has been delivered to the Suffolk coast for construction of Sizewell C.
With much disquiet across rural Suffolk about the impact of a decade (or more) of construction for the 拢40bn nuclear project, Sizewell C is committed to transporting 60% of construction materials by rail or sea
The first engineering train has arrived this week onto the Sizewell C site, marking what is regarded as a significant milestone in the project鈥檚 nascent development.
Reaching the project鈥檚 ancillary construction area (ACA) on Monday morning, a train loaded with aggregate travelled via the Sizewell branch line 鈥� a route that has been upgraded recently by Balfour Beatty Rail on behalf of Sizewell C.
The enhancement of the branch line is central to the project鈥檚 commitment to minimise disruption for local communities.
Damian Leydon, site delivery director at Sizewell C, said: 鈥淭he arrival of the first engineering train marks a major moment for the Sizewell C project and a clear demonstration of the progress we鈥檙e making. This is testament to all the hard work from those involved, from engineers to contractors and stakeholders.
鈥淎s rail deliveries increase in the months and years ahead, we鈥檒l continue to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise disruption to the community. This is an important step toward building a power station that will serve the nation for generations.鈥�
Rail deliveries are expected to scale up in phases, with up to four freight trains per day at peak operation. This includes trains using the project鈥檚 Green Rail Route which, once complete, will provide a direct connection from the existing branch line to the project鈥檚 temporary construction area, bypassing the neighbouring village of Leiston.
Each freight train is expected to remove around 50 HGV journeys from local roads.
Balfour Beatty Rail project lead Tom Emanuel said: 鈥淚t has been immensely rewarding to see the first of two large rail heads at Sizewell C come to life. This new infrastructure will enable the efficient movement of materials via the rail network to help build Sizewell C. It has been realised through the meticulous planning, innovative mindset, hard work and determination of our expert delivery team and supply chain partners who will relish the arrival of this important milestone train.鈥�
As part of upgrading the Sizewell branch line, Sizewell C is renewing 4.5 miles of track, replacing jointed rail with continuously welded rail to reduce noise, upgrading level crossings, and installing a new signalling system. It is also upgrading sections of the East Suffolk line which runs from Ipswich to Lowestoft.
The Sizewell branch line has historically seen very low levels of traffic, with no daily passenger services since 1966.
The plans is that, following construction of Sizewell C, both the Green Rail Route and the line serving the ACA will be reinstated to their original condition.