EDF run 1st of 3 days of sound trials on rail route to SZC. 
The train, with engines front & back and 20 empty wagons, rattled noisily along the rarely used 7.5 km of single train track, between Saxmundham and Sizewell Halt. The line was last used to transport nuclear waste from Sizewell A to Sellafield.
EDF, now want to use the line to transport aggregate and other construction materials to the proposed site for Sizewell C. They state, up to 3 trains a day, 6 journeys, but will there be movements at night?
Although the train didn’t make it all the way to the siding near Sizewell, it shunted backwards & forwards along a length of track, presumably testing noise levels. 
Several rail enthusiasts, gathered in a field, to watch the long line of empty trucks, snaking their way through the quiet countryside, although I guess, it was the engines they were mostly interested in. Some brought ladders. I wasn’t sure why.
The weight of train and trucks was 400 tonnes, this was without the added tonnage of aggregate, cement & steel. Would the added load need a larger, noisier engine?
The line will need to be upgraded
‘Network Rail has assessed the condition of the track on the Saxmundham to Leiston branch line and found that its overall condition was inadequate to accommodate the freight trains required for the Sizewell C Project’ (provided in Appendix 1A of this volume). EDF DCO doc.’
I can’t imagine how upset the people living in the rail crossing cottages, along the route must feel, with the prospect of their peace being disturbed on a daily basis. Sizewell C will bring great disruption to the area and rail will be in the mix, big time.
Better they use the rails than lorries. Besides the railway has existed there before almost all the locals were born! I do think local people should be pushing EDF to fund the reopening of the train line to the public, reinstating stations & giving something back to the community for having Sizewell on their doorstep. There has to be a community benefit of some kind when living in such proximity.
I have to say that I also believe that rail is by far the best solution, and the noise issues are unfounded. My office is next to a railway line and I have two trains an hour going past and can honestly say the noise, from 6m away is perfectly manageable. In fact, the level crossing warning tones are noisier than the trains. The line will almost certainly be relaid with continuous welded track without joints as as the line is of limited gradient change, the single diesel will be quieter than the short sets that have been used with two 1950’s diesels travelling from Lowestoft/Norwich Gt Yarmouth until the new stock arrived. The road noise would be far, far worse.
When will the results of the recent vibration tests be available?
Hi Gary
Thanks for getting in touch.
You will have to ask EDF for the results of the tests, but very much doubt if they will tell you. Worth asking though.
TASC’s view is that these tests along with many other investigations should have been completed before the DCO went in.
Good luck
TASC