Why local railways are important for Sizewell C construction

“We said from the start that we wanted to limit the amount of construction traffic on the roads,” says Sizewell C project manager Stephen Keighley.

“One of the main ways we can do that is by bringing in as much of our construction materials as possible – at least 60%, in fact – by either rail or sea.”

Sizewell C project manager Stephen Keighley (Image: Sizewell C) In order to get materials in by rail, however, the project has to make some significant improvements to local railway infrastructure – from track replacements to level crossings and signalling upgrades.

Working alongside Network Rail, it will make some significant upgrades to the East Suffolk Line between Ipswich and Saxmundham and the existing Sizewell Branch line. 

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“We’re also creating a new rail route from the existing Sizewell Branch Line onto our Temporary Construction Area so that we can bring in the materials,” says Stephen.  “On that route – what we call our Green Rail Route – we’ll eventually be making up to four night-train deliveries in each direction from spring 2026.  

“We’ve planned those deliveries very carefully so they have minimal impact on local communities. They’ll be running at no more than 10mph locally and on renewed tracks to reduce noise and vibration impacts.”

The Sizewell C project is contributing significant improvements to local railway infrastructure (Image: Network Rail) Many of the railway improvements the project will make will have long-term benefits for the local area, too.  

“A great example is the Saxmundham Road level crossing,” says Stephen. “It’s currently very narrow, so large, modern farm vehicles can inconvenience other road users while they slowly negotiate the crossing, which causes delays and safety issues.

“We’ll be widening that level crossing. It’s going to mean a big improvement in safety and local traffic management.” 

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Work has already started on the Sizewell Branch Line and the Green Rail Route has begun –with surveys and enabling works underway.  

“We’re making good progress,” says Stephen. “We’ve been working in Buckleswood Road in Leiston, where we’re creating a railway works compound in support of improvements to the Sizewell Branch Line (SIZ), to level crossings and signalling, and for the construction of the Green Rail Route. 

“We’re also busy constructing a compound to enable archaeology to commence on our Temporary Construction Area (TCA) prior to the construction of the rail works, which we should finish in early 2025.” 

Piling ring at work on tracks in Suffolk (Image: Network Rail) From January 2025, preparatory works for upgrades to the Sizewell Branch Line will commence. Surveyors and engineers will begin working along the line, and engineering trains will be running on the tracks delivering materials and equipment.  

“That will be a step up in our work,” says Stephen. “Local people will see increased levels of activity along the branch line from January, and it will be quite a change for a track that has only been lightly used for a long time.

"We know a small number of people use the area to walk their dogs, for example, so leading up to January and beyond we’ll be working closely with Network Rail to raise awareness of the work and ensure people stay off the tracks for their own safety.”  

Further into 2025, the branch line will benefit from some major improvements, including renewal of 4.5 miles of track, replacing jointed track with continuously welded rail (which reduces noise), a new signalling system and upgrades of seven level crossings with new barriers, road traffic lights and monitoring systems. 

“It’s exciting to see this progress on the tracks,” says Stephen. “And it shows how quickly Sizewell C is moving forward as a whole. The railways are a key artery for its success, and I feel privileged to play a small role in a project that will have such a huge positive impact for our climate at a time when we really need it most.” 

Find out all the latest works taking place at Sizewell C at szcworkstracker.co.uk

This article is part of the EADT's Clean & Green campaign, which aims to promote our region as the biggest in the UK and Europe for all forms of renewable energy.