A major new rail depot could be created in rural Norfolk under ambitious plans being considered by County Hall.
The scheme would see a new freight facility built at Snetterton, on the Norwich to Cambridge line.
The project is intended to reduce the amount of lorries on Norfolk’s roads as well as generate more economic activity along the vital ‘A11 corridor’.
Details have emerged in a document drawn up by Norfolk County Council officials, who have urged the authority to launch feasibility studies into the scheme.
They envisage reviving and developing the so-called Snetterton spur, a short length of track which already exists off the main line and runs towards the large industrial estate just off the A11.
The report, Norfolk Rail Prospectus, also raises the possibility of another major Norfolk scheme, linking King's Lynn's port to the main rail network.
SNETTERTON SPUR
The Norwich to Cambridge line passes close to an industrial estate just off the A11 at Snetterton.
In fact, it is linked to the estate via an existing short length of track known as the Snetterton Spur.
In their report, officials said: "This is a good location to serve as a freight road-rail facility due to its convenient location close to the A11 and existing distribution and warehousing facilities in this area.
"Further feasibility into the need and potential of bringing this back into use is supported."
LYNN LINKS
King's Lynn port was once connected to the mainline, which runs south from the town towards Cambridge and beyond.
The council's prospectus proposes reviving this connection.
It states: "Our analysis showed that potentially King’s Lynn’s manufacturing-based economy could benefit from better freight connections.
"Sites to the south of the town are served by disused rail links which, over time, could be brought into re-use to serve appropriate business needs."
NO-GO FOR GREAT YARMOUTH
One freight idea that the report does not support is establishing a rail link to Yarmouth's port.
In the 19th century there were a series of railway lines in Great Yarmouth, including one to a station at Vauxhall fishmarket, close to the new Herring Bridge, which closed after the 1920s.
The council's prospectus said it was too costly to reinstate a line from the town's railway station to the port and there was not a proven business case.
But the report stated: "There is work being done by other organisations to allow some freight movement between the port and the railway, via road links to the recently reopened Vauxhall Sidings near Great Yarmouth."
Those sidings, near Vauxhall Holiday Camp, were bought by the council with the intention to use it as a freight facility.
It is now occupied by a company called Eastern Rail Services, which supplies rolling stock and provides vehicles for track testing and for TV filming.
ALL FOR FREIGHT
National Rail says that each freight train removes 76 lorries from the roads and Norfolk County Council is keen to encourage the shift.
Its prospectus states: "We support the development of micro consolidation spaces with a rail connection.
"These spaces consolidate goods at a location closer to the delivery point, so that areas can be served without the intrusion of large HGVs.
"The county council will consider on a case-by-case basis what it can do to facilitate rail freight, whether this be putting its support behind proposals or engaging in feasibility studies."
The council is also backing the revamp of Ely junction, so more freight and passenger services can run through what is currently a rail bottleneck.
The previous government announced the long-called for scheme would benefit from money 'saved' by scrapping part of the HS2 rail route, but it is not clear what the new administration's plans are.
Although County Hall does not have any direct say over investing in or running railways, it says having a prospectus in place means it is well placed to secure improvements.
Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "We need a rail system that's fit for the future. That’s why we’ve been working to develop a vision for a rail network that can serve the needs and expectations of passengers, continues to support Norfolk’s economy, and helps deliver the housing and jobs growth planned."
Consultation over the prospectus is open now and runs until Monday, October 21 at www.norfolk.gov.uk/norfolkrailprospectus.
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