08.01.14
Ipswich rail chord phase 2 complete
The second part of the Ipswich rail chord was completed over Christmas, helping to remove a bottleneck on the line.
Network Rail contractor Spencer Rail Ltd demolished, removed and replaced an old steel bridge at the start of the new junction. Existing track and ballast stones were also removed and new track and junction were installed, linking the East Suffolk and London Liverpool Street to Norwich lines.
The chord will remove the need for freight to use the sidings adjacent to Ipswich station as a turning point, increasing capacity for passengers and freight. The whole project is expected to be complete by April.
Richard Schofield, route managing director, Network Rail, said: “Demand for railway travel continues to grow and this project demonstrates our commitment to invest in the railway to support growth.
“It is vital that we create additional capacity alongside other enhancements along the cross country route between Felixstowe and Nuneaton. This is a key part of our plans to take more freight off roads and onto rail and is good news for the region’s economy.”
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