Planned trial train movements on the East Suffolk Line and Sizewell Branch Line

Sizewell C Information Office
48-50 High Street
Leiston
IP16 4EW
10 February 2023

Dear Greg,

Planned trial train movements on the East Suffolk Line and Sizewell Branch Line

We are writing to you as the Clerk of Woodbridge to let you know about upcoming activity on the railway line in your local area in relation to the Sizewell C project.

Sizewell C is the 3.2GW new nuclear power station which has been granted development for construction to the north of the existing Sizewell B plant. In 2022, the UK government announced its decision to invest in the project. Sizewell C Co is now progressing toward a Final Investment Decision and the commencement of the development will launch a 10-12 year construction programme on this major infrastructure project. In the meantime, we are undertaking preparatory works to ensure that the plant and associated developments can be built as safely and efficiently as possible.

As part of this preparation, we are undertaking live exercises to understand how to reduce possible disruptions when we begin using the railway line for construction activity. On Saturday 18 February, a Sizewell C trial train will operate overnight from Ipswich on the East Suffolk line to Saxmundham and on to the Sizewell Branch, to simulate proposed signalling upgrades to the East Suffolk and Sizewell Branch line.

The train will enter the single line at Saxmundham Junction and travel through to the level crossing at Saxmundham Road. All operated crossings on the Sizewell Branch will be attended and closed ahead of the passage of the train to allow the train to continue at a constant 10mph. The train will come to a stand at the level crossing as part of the trial requirements and the driver will change ends of the train and proceed back along the branch to Saxmundham and re-join the East Suffolk Line, back to Ipswich.

The train will pass Woodbridge at 01:22 on Saturday 18th February and be on the Sizewell Branch between 02:11 and 04:00, returning back past Woodbridge at 04:46.

We would like to express appreciation and thank you in advance for your understanding and assure you that we will work alongside Network Rail to take all steps necessary to minimise the impact of this trial. 

If you need further help please send us an email at info@sizewellc.co.uk or call freephone 0800 197 6102. Alternatively, our Information Office on Leiston High Street is open to visitors weekdays between 9am and 5pm. 

For general information about the Sizewell C project, please visit our website https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/nuclear-new-build-projects/Sizewell-c.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Yours sincerely,

Michelle Emmerson-Grey

Community Relations Manager, Sizewell C