New traffic flow for Cemex
Trains deliver to new Birmingham depot to support local construction projects.
CEMEX’S new rail depot at Small Heath in Birmingham is receiving aggregates from the company’s Dove Holes Quarry in the Peak District. Four trains a week, operated by GB Railfreight, are anticipated, increasing the use of rail in the CEMEX supply chain to construction projects in the West Midlands.
It is estimated that the depot, opened last November, could lead to 17,000 fewer lorry journeys a year and a CO2 reduction of 2,200 tonnes.
Partnership
The creation and operation of the site has involved a partnership with Network Rail and aggregates distributor GRS. “Network Rail’s investment in the infrastructure was pivotal in supporting the delivery of
CEMEX’s new rail aggregate depot at Small Heath,” said David Young, Network Rail’s business and development manager for freight. “We are proud to have worked with CEMEX to enable rail freight growth in this important sector, encourage modal shift from road to rail and support decarbonisation targets.”
Director of GRS Rail Services Martin Reid added: “We’re delighted to be working with CEMEX to help to supply Birmingham’s construction industry with materials for redevelopment.
“The facilities at Small Healh support the use of rail freight to bring construction aggregates close to where they’re needed in the city whilst generating a fraction of the emissions of the equivalent road journeys.”