The new nuclear plant has pledged to bring in 60% of construction materials by rail or sea - with each train arrival removing 50HGV's from Suffolk's roads.

The delivery at the plant on Monday, February 23, marked a significant milestone in its construction.

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The first engineering train has arrived at Sizewell C's Ancillary Construction Area via the Sizewell branch line (Image: Sizewell C)

The train arrived at the project’s Ancillary Construction Area (ACA) - travelling via the Sizewell branch line.

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The route was significantly upgraded recently by Balfour Beatty Rail to support the project.

The engineering train delivered aggregate for the site’s rail infrastructure.

Site delivery director Damian Leydon said the arrival marked a major moment for the Sizewell C project and was "a clear demonstration of the progress we’re making".

Damian Leydon, Site Delivery Director at Sizewell C, at the Suffolk Show (Image: Sizewell C)

"This is testament to all the hard work from those involved, from engineers to contractors and stakeholders.

“As rail deliveries increase in the months and years ahead, we’ll continue to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise disruption to the community.

"This is an important step toward building a power station that will serve the nation for generations.”

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Rail deliveries should scale up in phases - with up to four freight trains a day at peak operation.

This includes trains using the project’s Green Rail Route which - once complete - will provide a direct connection from the existing branch line to the project’s Temporary Construction Area, bypassing Leiston.

Balfour Beatty Rail project lead Tom Emanuel said: “It has been immensely rewarding to see the first of two large rail heads at Sizewell C come to life.

The first engineering train has arrived at Sizewell C's Ancillary Construction Area via the Sizewell branch line (Image: Sizewell C)

"This new infrastructure will enable the efficient movement of materials via the rail network to help build Sizewell C.

"It has been realised through the meticulous planning, innovative mindset, hard work and determination of our expert delivery team and supply chain partners who will relish the arrival of this important milestone train.”

As part of upgrading works on the Sizewell branch line, Sizewell C is renewing 4.5 miles of track, replacing jointed rail with continuously welded rail to reduce noise, upgrading level crossings, and installing a new signalling system.

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The first engineering train has arrived at Sizewell C's Ancillary Construction Area via the Sizewell branch line (Image: Sizewell C)

It is also upgrading sections of the East Suffolk line which runs from Ipswich to Lowestoft.

The Sizewell branch line has not provided daily passenger services since 1966.

Once Sizewell C is built, the Green Rail Route and the line serving the ACA will be removed and the area reinstated.

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