Renewing the rail systems in the far north of Britain requires a great deal of planning. In an attempt to be more efficient and environmentally friendly, Network Rail has had over 1000 new rails delivered to Scrabster Harbour. The 60 foot rails were delivered from RMS Laar at the end of February. The materials are for the update and refurbishment of the 6.5 miles of Far North’s Thurso track. The Line from Thurso station to Georgemas Junction is the being renewed in a project that is the first to carry materials by sea instead of by road or railway.

Network rail has estimated that this brand new maneuver has saved 110 freight journey in total and had reduced the carbon emissions that could have been produced by the transportation of the materials by up to 200 tonnes. The contracted works are due to start in March, with the aim being to increase the reliability of the rail serviced offered on Far North’s Line.

Network Rail have been working on improving the Far North lines since 2014 and are due to continue working on improving the area’s railway until 2019. The work being carried out and set to be carried out has been estimated to cost £30 million. Works already carried out includes improved signaling systems along the routes. Projected plans include replacing the track, shown through the sea delivery to Scrabster, as well as plans to increase line speeds over the level crossings on the routes as well as the related infrastructure including earthworks.

By taking the movement goods traffic away from the road and transporting materials by other means, the ability to undertake substantial building work while lowering the expected carbon output is a positive sign for the industry. Lowering the carbon footprint of the works taken to improve other transport services leads to lowered environmental impact of the industry on a whole.