Media centre

Monday 12 Jan 2009

DISUSED GWUAN-CAE-GURWEN BRANCH LINE GETS READY FOR FREIGHT

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

The scheme to bring the disused Gwuan-Cae-Gurwen (GCG) railway line back into use as a working freight line has entered a vital stage with the line coming into operation, starting with test trains running today.

Although the line has never formally closed, Network Rail is concerned that local residents and dog walkers have got used to not having trains on the line after several years, so it is warning them to stay safe and keep away from the railway.

Network Rail has also started an awareness campaign by visiting schools and writing to local residents, reminding them to obey level crossings signs and urging them not to trespass on the railway line. As well as putting themselves in danger, it is also an offence to trespass on the railway and is punishable by a fine of up to £1,000.

The operation of the line begins from 12 January, starting with drivers receiving their training on the route and the operation of the infrastructure being tested.

Mark Langman, area general manager for Network Rail said: "This scheme has huge economical and environmental value to the community. Freight trains will take away the need for at least 40 lorry loads of coal using local roads in each direction from the coal mine. In addition, freight trains also emit four times less CO2 emissions than road haulage."

"No trains have run on this route for several years and local residents may think the line is still out of use. My concern is that they may well carry on as before, not realising that they could have a train carrying up to 1,300 tonnes of coal bearing down on them. So we need to get the message across for them to stay away as well as obey level crossings signs and warnings."

Adrian Helmore, business development manager of Celtic Energy said "East Pit Surface Coal Mine returned to full production capacity in September last year, since when Celtic Energy has worked closely with Network Rail and DB Schenker to re-open the rail link. The transport of coal by rail is widely recognised as the most environmentally sustainable option as it replaces what would be a significant number of lorry movements, to the benefit of the communities in and around Gwaun Cae Gurwen."

"As the line has been out of use for several years we would echo the message that members of the public should observe the safey rules at level crossings and cross safely at all times."

Funded and delivered by Network Rail, the £1.2m enhancement will enable Celtic Energy to transport 50% of its coal production via freight trains. Approximately, more than 300,000 tonnes of coal are transported out of East Pit coal mine per year. The use of rail freight will significantly reduce road traffic movements and disruption in the area.

DB Schenker is initially planning to run two trains a day – one in each direction, and they will not exceed 20mph.