Media centre

Tuesday 25 Oct 2016

Suffolk residents invited to see upgrade plans for railway between Ipswich and Felixstowe

Region & Route:

| Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

| Southern

Suffolk residents are invited to an information event to find out more about major improvements to the railway line that runs between Ipswich to Felixstowe which includes building extra track and closing level crossings as part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan.

Network Rail is making improvements to the Felixstowe branch line to enable more goods to be transported by freight train, to boost the growth of Felixstowe Port, which is vital to the UK economy. Today, 33 freight trains can run in and out of the port every day, taking goods to the rest of the country. The improvements will enable up to 47 freight trains to run every day, and each train is equivalent to taking up to 60 lorries off busy roads such as the A14, which is nearly 22,000 lorries a year.

The improvements include building an additional track and closing six level crossings in the Trimley area, in order to keep people safe and reduce delays.  To continue to provide access to the countryside, a public bridleway bridge will be built and people will be diverted across the railway by either using existing routes or creating new ones. As well as making the railway safer, these changes will help to make the line more reliable for passengers travelling between Ipswich and Felixstowe.

A public information event will be held on Thursday 3rd November, between 2pm and 7pm at Trimley Sports and Social Club, High Road, Trimley St Martin, Felixstowe IP11 0RJ. Residents will be able to:

• See the plans and information
• Provide feedback
• Talk to Network Rail’s project team who can answer any questions you might have

Richard Schofield, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “These improvements will be a huge boost for the UK economy and make the Felixstowe branch line more reliable for passengers, as well as easing pressure on the roads that provide access to the port.

“We’re proposing changes at six level crossings in the Trimley area, and we know that public Rights of Way are important to people in this region. Where level crossings are closed, we will maintain connectivity with the countryside, and in some cases improve the Rights of Way network. I’d encourage anyone interested to come along see our plans, ask questions and share any concerns or ideas with us.”

Anyone who wants to find out more or who is unable to attend the event can contact our 24 hour helpline 03457 11 41 41 or email felixstowebranchlineproject@networkrail.co.uk.