The three-year project will transform Barking Eurohub into a major international intermodal freight terminal linked to the Channel Tunnel.
Construction has officially started on the £15 million redevelopment of Barking Eurohub, marking the beginning of a three-year programme to create a modern international rail freight hub in east London.
The 40-acre site will be transformed into an intermodal freight terminal designed to handle containers and liftable lorry trailers arriving and departing by rail. Once complete, the facility will support direct freight services between the UK and major European markets including France, Germany, Italy and Spain via the Channel Tunnel.
The redevelopment forms part of the Government’s wider strategy to increase rail freight capacity, strengthen international trade links and encourage more freight to move from road to rail.
Capacity upgrades to support international freight
A key part of the project involves removing redundant sidings that currently limit the site’s operational capacity, releasing more than five acres of land for redevelopment.
New berthing sidings will also be constructed to improve train movements through the terminal, while freight tracks and intermodal sidings will be remodelled to accommodate continental freight trains up to 700 metres long. This represents a significant increase from the current operational limit of approximately 350 to 400 metres.
The longer trains will increase freight capacity, improve operational efficiency and allow more goods to be transported by rail between Britain and mainland Europe.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “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.”
Network Rail Chief Executive Jeremy Westlake added: “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.”
The project is expected to support the Government’s long-term ambition to grow rail freight while contributing to future Great British Railways objectives. By encouraging more freight to travel by rail, the scheme aims to reduce motorway congestion, lower carbon emissions and ease pressure on road infrastructure across south-east England.
The Barking Eurohub redevelopment is being delivered through a partnership between Network Rail, Platform4 and Legal & General, with income generated from the site expected to be reinvested into future rail freight growth across Britain.
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