RAIL FREIGHT

Transferring freight from road to rail can help to bring about a reduction in long distance lorry miles and ease road congestion.  The key rail freight project in the north east is the removal of loading gauge restrictions on the line between Elgin, Aberdeen and the Mossend terminal in Lanarkshire.  The then Transport Minister, Tavish Scott MSP announced in October 2005 that the Scottish Executive would fund and implement this £4 million project, which is on track for completion by autumn 2007.

This involves modifications to bridges and track, which will enable larger, standard containers to be transported from the north east to the south of England and on to continental Europe. This project, and the promotion of rail freight, is being taken forward by the North East Scotland Rail Freight Development Group, of which Nestrans is a core member.

The current Guild Street freight yard in Aberdeen is to be replaced by modern rail-to-road freight transfer facilities at Raiths Farm in Dyce.  Facilities at Craiginches and Waterloo Quay in Aberdeen will also be enhanced.