Key workers from Network Rail’s Anglia region have enabled thousands of tonnes of essential medical supplies, food, drinks, and consumer goods to be transported around the country every week.

Last month, a reduced timetable was implemented. This was to allow a reliable service to be in operation for key workers, such as NHS staff, to get to work whilst also allowing lines to stay open for crucial freight services to run.

Currently, there are up to 72 freight trains in and out of Felixstowe in Suffolk and up to 20 freight trains in and out from London Gateway in Essex. These trains are now carrying up to 500,000 tonnes of vital products each week.

Along with this up to 2000 tonnes of silica sand is also being moved from Middleton Towers quarry near Kings Lynn. This is to provide numerous industrial plants in the north of England the materials they need for use in glass and bottle production.

There are two trains per week supporting the oil and gas industry with moves of gas condensate from North Walsham in Norfolk to Harwich in Essex.

Each day, a dedicated Tesco train runs to Barking and Purfleet bringing supermarket products into the region from the national warehouse at Daventry.

This service is vital for restocking Tesco supermarkets who’s consumer demand has been brought higher during this difficult time.

They have only been able to meet this demand thanks to the dedication from all the Network Rail teams that have been continuing to work. These teams have been listed as key workers by the Government. Another contributing factor has been those passengers who have taken the advice to only travel if it is essential.

Meanwhile, passengers are reminded to travel only if essential, and a reduced timetable is operating on the rail network. This will ensure that critical supplies and key workers are able to keep moving over the coming months to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Passengers are advised to visit www.nationalrail.co.uk to check the revised train times for their essential journeys.

What did the officials say?

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said:

“Our role is critical in keeping Britain running, and even more so in the challenging times we’re experiencing now. Our teams are working hard to keep lines open for key workers as well as enabling freight services to run to keep shelves stocked and deliver vital medical supplies and equipment.

“The railway’s ‘key workers’ are the hidden heroes in this national effort to support the country through this challenging time.”

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