Disruption at Saxmundham expected to last until May 2026

Rail owners will explore relocating trains overnighting at Saxmundham station to a countryside location <i>(Image: Archant)</i>
Rail owners will explore relocating trains overnighting at Saxmundham station to a countryside location (Image: Archant)
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Rail owners have committed to finding a solution to end disturbances for locals caused by freight trains at night.

Saxmundham Town Council said it had a "promising" response from rail infrastructure firm Network Rail and infrastructure company Balfour Beatty at a meeting with the two firms and the developers of the new Sizewell C nuclear power station.

Previously, the authority has raised "strong concerns" about trains idling overnight at the station en route to delivering building materials for the energy plant.

READ MORE: Saxmundham Town Council raises Sizewell C train concerns

Fears had been raised about a lack of noise mitigation, with councillor Geraldine Barker, the council's energy projects lead, warning of up to 12 years of disruption.

However the meeting estimates that "overnight idling" was only expected to last until May next year.

A statement on the town council's Facebook page said: "They were unaware that their trains were overnighting at the station and have agreed to investigate whether they can be relocated to a countryside location away from residential properties.

"They cautioned that this may not be possible if the full train length would block a level crossing, but they have committed to exploring a solution."

READ MORE: Concerns raised as freight trains left running in Saxmundham

In September, Sizewell C said the trains were being held at Saxmundham while an upgrade of the branch line track and signalling system was being completed, while the station was one of few places in east Suffolk with dual track sections.

The developer said holding trains enabled oncoming services to pass through safely and reduced the risk of delays to passenger services caused by a blocked line.

The council's statement added: "If relocation proves impossible, there is still some good news: this situation is temporary and is not expected to continue throughout the 12-year construction period.

"Current expectations are that any overnight idling may occur occasionally until May 2026 while the Green Rail Route is constructed and the track is upgraded.

"After that, the four overnight freight trains should pass through Saxmundham without stopping, running on new track designed to reduce noise and vibration."

A Sizewell C spokesperson said: “We’ve committed to moving at least 60% of our construction freight by sea and rail.

"Upgrading the branch line, between Saxmundham and Leiston, is vital to delivering this.

“Saxmundham station is one of the few locations along the East Suffolk line with dual track sections.

"It is frequently used to hold trains, allowing oncoming services to pass safely following long stretches of single track.

"This helps reduce the risk of delays or disruption to passenger services caused by a blocked line.

"Once the upgrade of the branch line track and signalling system is completed, the requirement of holding freight trains for Sizewell C at Saxmundham will be removed.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of our current works to upgrade the line.

“We’re working with Network Rail, who manage and operate the railway infrastructure, to minimise the impact of our locomotive movements.”

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