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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Transport Secretary opens Doncaster North Chord

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Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has officially opened the £45 million Doncaster North Chord during a tour of major projects along the East Coast main line.

The flyover, which actually opened to traffic at the start of the month, will relieve a “pinch point” along the route, increasing capacity and cutting freight journeys between the Humber ports and the Aire Valley power stations.

McLoughlin said: “The North Doncaster Chord will help in freeing up space for much-needed additional passenger services between Yorkshire and London and reduce delays, while also improving the vital freight network across the region.”

Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail manager added: “Rail freight services industry safely and sustainably so it is crucial that the Government continues to invest in rail freight access to the network; each coal train to the power stations can remove around 75 HGVs from our roads.”

Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited became the first rail freight operator to utilise the new Doncaster North Chord for commercial service when it opened for use on Sunday, June 1.

Martin Wilks, director of coal services for Freightliner Heavy Haul, said: “We welcome the opening of the Doncaster North Chord as an important new addition to Network Rail’s infrastructure.

“This is an important project which gives freight trains a clear run towards the power stations, without incurring the performance risk of crossing the busy East Coast main line, and will improve the service we can offer to our customers.”

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