Representation by Clive Lovelock
- Date submitted
- 24 August 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
EDF's most recent proposals see an increased role for rail transport for bringing materials to site for the project which is welcome, however the lack of detail in these proposals for the rail options must cast doubt on their determination to use rail transport and may be mere "window dressing". EDF has failed to adequately demonstrate that its rail proposals are feasible. All aspects of the rail proposals require amplification and clarification including those relating to: 1. Upgrading and extension plans relating to the Saxmundham to Leiston branch line hereinafter referred to as "The Branch". 2. Compliance with safety and other regulations on "The Branch" and its proposed extensions including current Railway Group Standards. 3. The feasibility of the number of train movements on "The Branch" within the times specified. 4. The ability of the National Rail network to cope with the proposed additional train paths. 5. Alterations to the National Rail network infrastructure required as part of the proposals including, but not limited to, the junction to "The Branch" at Saxmundham. 6. Details of any consultation and agreements with Network Rail about the logistics and scheduling of the proposed changes. There are continuing concerns about the impact of increased road traffic on local towns and villages. These will be exacerbated should the rail option proves not to be feasible. Irrespective of the feasibility or otherwise of the rail option there are particular concerns about the safety of existing level crossings on the East Suffolk line. These relate specifically to the level crossings at Darsham station and Willow Marsh level crossing and arise from increased traffic levels on the A12 as a result of the proposed Darsham Park and Ride facilities. In the case of Darsham station crossing they relate to the increased risk of road traffic "blocking back" over the crossing and the increase of HGV movements, particularly slow moving low loaders. Network Rails own current risk assessment of Darsham assesses it as having a "Collective Risk Rating" of 2(Very High) on a scale of 1-11 (where 1 is the highest risk). The same assessment identifies large numbers of HGVs and "Blocking Back" as key risk factors. In the case of Willow Marsh level crossing, the current protection arrangements are consistent with a crossing with low levels of road traffic. The increased risk stems from Willow Marsh lane becoming a "rat run" for site workers from the west of Darsham using it as a short cut to the A1120. There is no mention in EDFs proposals of any safety enhancements at either of these level crossings.