IMPROVEMENTS to the rail network in Dorset received a fresh boost after materials were delivered direct by trains.

A total of 2,400 tonnes of stone track ballast was delivered direct to Swanage Railway’s link to Wareham by three trains supplied by Network Rail.

The recycled ballast is an important part of the 500-metre upgrade works on the line between Furzebrook and Motala, which is being improved so the line can help ferry passengers along the line for the first time in 43 years.

As well as the recycled ballast, new granite was also transported to the site, with the ballast going along the embankment to support the upgraded tracks.

The train deliveries saved around 80 journeys by road lorries – meaning it helped the environment in the process.

It is part of a 15-month long project to improve upgrade the three miles of former Network Rail line between Worgret Junction and Motala so the Swanage Railway can run a trial passenger service from Swanage and Corfe Castle to Wareham during 2016 and 2017.

Mark Woolley, Swanage Railway project’s Wareham director, said: "We were delighted to work in partnership with Network Rail and bring in 2,400 tonnes of mostly recycled track ballast from Eastleigh by train rather than in 80 lorries on the roads of Dorset and Hampshire.

"Network Rail is a member of the Purbeck Community Rail Partnership which is about stakeholders working together for the benefit of the public to deliver a trial community train service from Swanage and Corfe Castle to Wareham from June 2016.

"Our upgrade work of the three-mile former Network Rail line involves the replacement of 1,700 wooden track sleepers with new wooden sleepers from sustainable forests as well as the use of high quality recycled wooden sleepers.”

The three ballast trains were hauled by powerful 3,600 horsepower Class 70 diesel-electric locomotives from Colas Rail Freight – the first time the large 129-tonne American General Electric locomotives had visited Furzebrook.

Nick Elliott, Network Rail's Managing Director responsible for logistics, said: "We're delighted to be supporting the Swanage Railway and its extensive programme of works.

"It's always a pleasure to see the value generated by projects having their materials delivered by rail.

"We've been impressed by the professionalism and safety focus shown by the Swanage Railway team and we very much look forward to continuing our support.”

The Swanage Railway plans to start its trial passenger train service from Swanage and Corfe Castle to Wareham from June of next year – on 50 selected days in 2016 and on 90 selected days in 2017.

In September, 2014, the Swanage Railway signed a 99-year lease with Dorset County Council for the three-mile stretch of former Network Rail line between Worgret Junction and Motala.

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