Sizewell C has reached a major construction milestone with the arrival of the first commercial freight train via its new Green Rail Route (GRR).

The train made its first journey into the project’s Temporary Construction Area (TCA) recently, carrying materials needed to help build the new nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast.

Connecting the upgraded Sizewell branch line directly to the TCA, the new rail link marks a step change in how materials are delivered to site. By transporting large volumes of construction materials overnight and bypassing Leiston entirely, each freight train prevents the equivalent of around 50 HGVs from having to travel on local roads.

Damian Leydon, site delivery director of Sizewell C, said: “The arrival of our first commercial freight train is a major milestone for Sizewell C and a significant step forward in how we build the project. The Green Rail Route is the result of years of planning, engineering, and collaboration with key partners.

“By delivering 60% of our materials by rail and sea, we’re significantly reducing the burden on local roads and local communities here in Suffolk. We want to deliver this project differently, minimising impacts and maximising the benefits for local communities – our rail plans are a big part of how we can achieve that.”

For the next few weeks, trains will make a brief stop at Saxmundham before continuing to site. Following Network Rail’s upgrades to the East Suffolk Line later this year, trains will be able to continue directly to Sizewell C without stopping, helping to further reduce disruption for nearby residents.

Delivered with the support of Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council and Network Rail, the Green Rail Route forms a key part of Sizewell C’s commitment to transport at least 60% of construction materials by sea or rail. Between now and Christmas alone, around 100,000 tonnes of material will be delivered to the project by rail, removing the equivalent of approximately 5,000 HGV journeys from local roads.

The number of trains using the GRR will increase in phases, with up to four freight trains a day running at peak capacity. Initially, two overnight services will deliver construction aggregates to site. Much of the rail construction works were carried out by Balfour Beatty.

The GRR builds on the successful completion and commissioning of a new railhead at Sizewell C’s Ancillary Construction Area (ACA) earlier this year, both of which connect to the upgraded Sizewell branch line.

The wider rail improvement programme includes renewing 4.5 miles of track, replacing jointed rail with continuously welded rail to reduce noise, upgrading level crossings and installing a new signalling system. Sizewell C is also supporting improvements to sections of the East Suffolk Line between Ipswich and Lowestoft.

Historically, the Sizewell branch line has seen very little traffic, with no daily passenger services since 1966. Once construction is complete, both the Green Rail Route and the line serving the ACA will be returned to their original condition.