Network Rail has announced that work has begun on retrofitting Barking Eurohub, turning it into a modern international rail freight hub.
The UK government plans to grow rail freight and re-establish direct cross-Channel freight services through the Channel Tunnel.
The 40-acre site located in east London will be redeveloped into a fully operational international intermodal freight facility.
It will feature an intermodal terminal capable of handling containers and liftable lorry trailers arriving and departing by rail and a campus of related distribution and storage activity.
Once complete, the site will act as a significant hub for freight travelling to and from major continental European markets including France, Germany, Italy and Spain via the Channel Tunnel.
“This significant investment in international rail freight will boost British businesses by opening new trade links and deliver faster, more sustainable ways to transport goods between UK and Europe,” UK rail minister, Lord Hendy, said.
“Our ambitious targets for rail freight are strengthening UK supply chains, supporting economic growth and jobs and cementing the UK’s position as a hub for international trade.”
Work on the project will involve removing old sidings that currently restrict parts of the site, freeing up more than five acres of land and creating new berthing sidings for continental freight trains.
This will improve the flow of trains through the terminal and support more efficient freight operations, Network Rail stated.
The connecting freight tracks and intermodal terminal sidings will be remodelled to handle continental freight trains up to 700 metres long, compared with the current operational limit of around 350 to 400 metres.
This will allow longer trains to use the terminal, increasing capacity, improving efficiency and helping move more freight by rail.
Network Rail stated that income generated from the Barking Eurohub site will be reinvested into freight growth across Britain, supporting the UK government’s 2050 rail freight ambitions.
The redevelopment is a core objective of the future Great British Railways and demonstrates how railway assets can be used to fund long-term, sustainable improvements to the network.
Network Rail’s chief executive, Jeremy Westlake, said: “This is an important milestone for Network Rail and for the future of British freight.
“Bringing back regular cross-Channel rail freight services will help take lorries off roads, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen trade with Europe.
“This investment shows how railway land and infrastructure can support businesses, communities and the environment as we move towards Great British Railways.”
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