Reopening of Hamworthy branch line to Port of Poole could remove 2,400 lorries per year from the road, potentially rising to 12,000 within 36 months, providing a far more environmentally-friendly freight transport option.
Road to rail
The Port of Poole is one of the few South Coast UK ports to be rail connected and Poole Harbour Commissioners is in discussion with Network Rail regarding improvements to the Hamworthy branch line and port siding to align with customers’ expansion plans and transportation of cargo via rail.
The Port of Poole expansion, reopening of Hamworthy Branch Line and supporting access improvements will provide infrastructure to restart regular freight traffic along the Hamworthy Branch Line to Poole Port and provide a cargo/freight handling facility.
In addition, the scheme will create space within the port footprint to enable an increase in goods and passenger movements in/out of the Port (increased rail freight handling and a new passenger/ cruise terminal). The scheme includes access improvements on the local road network to make travel to the port more sustainable and will support local plan housing and economic growth plans.
However, these plans are contingent on securing the necessary funding to support infrastructure upgrades, rail connectivity improvements, and operational setup.
Rail "motorway"
Work is nearing completion on a new rail-freight link connecting Cherbourg to Bayonne in France. This “rail motorway” will link the Port of Cherbourg to the European Freight Centre at Mouguerre, facilitating connections between Spain, the UK and Ireland through the French railway network. This new rail freight link will provide opportunities for the Port of Poole to increase the volume of freight it can receive from France.
Scheme recognition
The scheme has been recognised as one of priority projects forming part of the Western Gateway Sub-National Transport Body Strategic Investment Plan 2025-2035 due to it’s aim to ease freight movements on strategic routes, and to support a shift to rail, coastal shipping and alternative fuels.