To celebrate the reopening of Horton Quarry’s rail link and to mark the 150th anniversary of rail freight on the Settle-Carlisle line, Heidelberg Materials UK hosted an event yesterday.
Since 1889, the Yorkshire quarry has produced gritstone and limestone, with its rail siding having been removed in 1965.
A new terminal has now been constructed, which will allow movement in and out of the quarry, specifically to construction sites across the north west.
They worked with GB Railfreight and the Settle and Carlisle Railway Trust to organise the event, which brought together industry representatives, customers and other parties.
Attendees got to see the new rail link and witnessed the unveiling of a commemorative GBRf-Heidelberg Materials liveried locomotive, which has been named Settle & Carlisle 150.
“The first freight train ran on the Settle-Carlisle line in August 1875, and the reopening
of our rail link at Horton quarry is a perfect way to mark this anniversary,”“The investment is part of our strategy to improve our network of rail connected
Becky Murphy, Aggregates Regional Director at Heidelberg Materials UK.
quarries and depots and to help deliver our sustainability commitments.
“Each rail movement allows us to supply around 1,650 tonnes of high-quality
aggregate across the north west of England, reducing vehicle journeys on the wider
road network and cutting associated CO₂ emissions.”
Responses
Good to see more freight on the tracks.