A milestone in the construction of East West Rail was met yesterday when the first commercial freight train travelled along the line as part of its journey.
The train was operated by DB Cargo UK on behalf of Maritime Transport and departed Didcot before coming onto the new line at Oxford.
The train then travelled the 35 miles to Milton Keynes before heading to the new rail freight interchange at Northampton Gateway.
“Running the first commercial freight train into Northampton Gateway using East West Rail infrastructure is a big step forward. The new rail link has been designed to let trains move in and out at speeds of up to 40mph, which is much faster than usual for freight terminals.
This means less disruption to passenger services and a smoother, more efficient railway overall. It’s a great example of how smart infrastructure can support greener transport and decrease the number of heavy goods vehicles on our roads.”
Gary Walsh, Director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route
Responses
Nice to see freight trains using the East-West Rail line (formerly known as the Varsity Line). And with plans to build a new line to reconnect Bedford and Cambridge.
I wonder when the Bletchley to Oxford part will open as it’s alleged Christmas?