Benefits of diverting freight trains to East West Rail
Client: Department for Transport
Date:
2021-22
To assess the benefits of diverting freight trains onto East West Rail (EWR) to improve rail network efficiency, reduce congestion on the rail network and enhance freight transport sustainability.
The Question
How can diverting freight trains onto East West Rail improve rail network capacity, reduce congestion, and support sustainable freight transport?
The Solution
MDST completed a freight impact study, in association with the Department for Transport, which involved:
- Analysing freight demand forecasts to determine viable diversion opportunities.
- Assessing EWR’s capacity for additional freight trains.
- Identifying key infrastructure needs, including junction upgrades and new rail chords.
- Quantifying economic and environmental benefits, such as lower emissions and reduced freight costs.
- Evaluating the impact on passenger services, including additional capacity for trains in London.
Outcome
The report found the value of freight trains diverted onto EWR and the results were shared with the Department for Transport to aid future network decisions.