Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans are in place to ensure the timely delivery of the Felixstowe-to-Nuneaton freight rail link.

During Control Period 5 (2014-2019) Government is investing £235m in the Strategic Freight Network (SFN), a ring fenced fund specifically to support investment in rail freight to improve the capacity and capability of the network. This includes the installation of a second track between Felixstowe and Grimston Lane foot crossing on the Felixstowe branch line, which will allow up to 47 trains to serve the port daily in each direction, 14 more than at present.

In April 2017, Network Rail published its Freight Network Study, presenting options to funders for enhancing the rail freight network. The study identified the Felixstowe to West Midlands corridor as a key priority for future investment. The Statement of Funds Available for Control Period 6 (2019-2024) includes funding for continued investment in improvements to the rail freight network, and my Department will consider Network Rail’s advice when planning future enhancements.