Successful tests at Telford rail terminal

A train has successfully tested the tracks and points at the new International Rail Park terminal in Telford, Shropshire. The terminal - due to become fully operational in May - will be operated by Glasgow-based John G Russell (Transport).

The haulage company currently runs the Inverness rail terminal used by Stobart Rail for its Tesco rail freight service. The Telford facility will be capable of handling intermodal containers, ISO tanks, bulk goods, forestry products, steel, palletised cargo, roll cages and fresh produce.

It incorporates five reception sidings, storage facilities, a fuelling station for trucks and trains and a road weighbridge to allow for the quick transfer of freight between road and rail.

Ken Russell, John G Russell development director, says: "Telford is seen as a strategic location in a network of terminals we are developing which extends from Inverness in the north to Barking in the south."

Neil McNicolas, managing director of Direct Rail Services (DRS), which provided the test train and wagon, adds: "The trend for more freight to be transported by rail will help the environment by reducing the size of transport's carbon footprint."