A new rail terminal is under construction in Northampton, United Kingdom, that would link the UK's container ports with inland logistics hubs. The interchange will connect to the West Coast Main Line via a new 775m long rail link. Based at SEGRO's Logistics Park (SEGRO), four miles from Northampton, the facility is adjacent to Junction 15 of the M1, making it easily accessible to trucks.
On completion, the £500 million terminal will have a storage capacity of almost 2,500 TEU, handle up to 16 trains per day and provide parking for more than 125 trucks.
Furthermore, developer Network Rail is confident that the new facility will help shift transport from road to rail, reducing environmental impact.
"To begin with, four freight trains will serve the new Northampton interchange each day - with the capacity for more in future," writes Network Rail. "Each freight train takes up to 76 heavy goods vehicles off the road, making it a much greener way to transport economically significant goods around the country."
Maritime Transport, a UK intermodal company, has been selected to operate the facility. In addition to managing the rail terminal, the company will make additional investments, including new container handling equipment and electric truck and car charging infrastructure.
In a separate agreement, Maritime and SEGRO have joined hands to extend the rail facility at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway, doubling the terminal's capacity by Q3 2023.
"Following the successful growth and operation of the first rail freight terminal at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway, it's great to have Maritime on board to deliver the next phase at the site as well as the purpose-built strategic rail interchange at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton. Both locations will serve as critical links in UK supply chains and connect to the country's rail network and ports, creating greater efficiency and resilience as well as supporting local economic growth," said Andrew Pilsworth, Managing Director, National Logistics at SEGRO.
According to the latest estimate, groundworks for the Northampton terminal will be completed by the first quarter of 2024, and the facility will be fully operational in the third quarter of next year.
