Despite Coronavirus restrictions, DB Cargo UK has confirmed the opening of a new £7 million rail terminal in Cricklewood.

Operations have begun at the 151-hectare site. The new terminal, off Edgware Road, will allow aggregates and spoil to be transported in and out of London.

The terminal will provide a faster alternative to transporting by road, with each train carrying the equivalent load of 76 HGVs.

Tarmac and FCC Environment have started operating at the site, with discussions ongoing between DB Cargo UK and a number of other operators for the other vacant plots.

Roger Neary, DB Cargo UK’s Head of Sales, said the new terminal at Cricklewood was of significant strategic importance and would support major construction projects like HS2 and the ongoing regeneration of Brent Cross – “Our new rail freight terminal at Cricklewood will complement our existing operations at Bow East, Acton and Barking, providing a major boost for the capital’s construction supply chain. The new facility has been sympathetically-designed to minimise the impact on the neighbouring community and has a major role to play in helping the Government meet its challenging target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,”

Roger added “Some of the freight trains using this site will carry up to 1,500 tonnes of construction material a day, which can equate to around 375,000 tonnes per annum. Considering the fact that each train generates around 76% less emissions than their road equivalent, that’s a significant reduction in air pollution,” he added.

Chris Swan, Head of Rail at Tarmac, said “As efforts continue to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in London, rail freight is becoming increasingly important for local development. Around 50% of aggregates in the nation’s capital are moved by rail, with each freight train capable of transporting enough material to construct up to 30 homes. Our commitment to the Cricklewood facility, alongside our partners at DB Cargo UK, is testament to the importance of rail freight to London’s growth and infrastructure development. The strategic placement of the new site will enable continuity of high-quality material supply to projects throughout London while supporting more efficient, sustainable transport and a lower carbon-built environment,”

Roland Williams, FCC Environment’s General Manager, said “We’re delighted to have opened up our third facility in London, allowing us to serve the construction industry in areas of London which are seeing a real increase in activity. We have been looking to establish a facility in this location for some time and our partnership with DB Cargo UK has allowed us to do this.”

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