NETWORK Rail has announced plans to invest more than £40 million to build a new rail freight link in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Known as the Nuneaton North Chord, the new line – approximately one mile long – will allow freight to cross from Eastern England, via Peterborough and Leicester, to the West Coast Main Line without disrupting passenger services.
According to Network Rail, this is a vital investment to help increase the amount of freight carried by rail in Britain and is funded from the Department for Transport’s ‘Transport Innovation Fund.’
“Building the chord could take as many as 225,000 lorries a year off the road and will also improve the performance and reliability of passenger services locally and as far away as London,” said Network Rail, launching a local consultation programme.
The new line is planned to go over the old Two Bridges allotment site and then run alongside the West Coast Main Line before joining it near to Caldecote Lane.
Network Rail is now looking to hear from Nuneaton residents, before putting in an application for permission to build the line later this year. If granted, work could start before summer 2009, with the line in use by December 2010.
Rail Minister Tom Harris said: "We want to upgrade freight routes, boost the country's economy and deliver on our commitment to reduce road congestion and carbon emissions. We've invested £80 million to increase freight capacity on the Peterborough to Nuneaton line. It's now for Network Rail to ensure that money delivers for rail users and the local community."
Peter Strachan, Route Director for Network Rail, said: “This is a key project which will allow us to improve Britain’s railway and at the same time bring clear environmental benefits. So we can reach the best solution for everyone we want to involve the local community and are keen to hear from any Nuneaton residents with comments or questions about our proposals.”
Anyone who would like to contact Network Rail can call the national helpline on 08457 11 41 41, or write to:
Network Rail
Community Relations Manager
The Mailbox
100 Wharfside Street
BIRMINGHAM
B1 1RT