A freight train has used the restored section of East West Rail between Bicester and Bletchley for the first time since the route was completed in October last year.

The DB Cargo train had started its journey from Didcot. Just north of Oxford station it joined the future route to Cambridge shortly after 13.00 yesterday.

It then entered the recently-restored section beyond Bicester Village and continued to Bletchley, from where it ran along the down West Coast Main Line to the new freight interchange near Northampton, which was also opened for traffic yesterday.

The new Northampton Gateway terminal, which will be operated by Maritime Transport, has junctions from the Northampton loop with a maximum speed of 40mph (65km/h). Network Rail said this is eight times faster than traditional freight connections, and will mean that the through lines are cleared more quickly for other trains.

John Bailey, who is managing director Intermodal at Maritime Transport, said: ‘The arrival of our first service via EWR is an important step in expanding UK rail freight capacity, providing businesses with a direct, low-carbon route from Southampton to the heart of the UK’s golden logistics triangle. This development demonstrates how infrastructure and private-sector investment can deliver a more efficient and sustainable supply chain, while easing pressure on a congested road network.’

Do you have a comment? Please click here  to send an email to Platform at Railnews.

Moderated comments will be published on this site, and may also be used in the next print edition.