GB Railfreight (GBRf) has opened a new maintenance facility in Tonbridge. The new facility is a strategic location for GBRf, which provides rail head treatment services for Network Rail from the site. These services help to ensure the smooth running of passenger trains by clearing the tracks of fallen leaves, snow and ice.
The facility, which cost around £2.5 million, was built by Cairn Cross and will provide a purpose-built hub for the maintenance of GBRf's Class 73, 69, and 66 fleets. The building will be a joint venture between many partners including EMD, Wabtec, and St Leonard's Railway Engineering, which will be responsible for the operation of the facility.
The new maintenance facility will complement existing facilities in Doncaster and Peterborough. It will significantly improve the operational efficiency of GBRf's locomotive fleet in the South East of England. The reduction in journey times required for maintenance will result in significant carbon savings.
“Tonbridge is a key location for Network Rail’s autumn and winter services, helping the Southern Region battle against poor adhesion due to leaf-fall and the effects of frost on the running lines. GB Railfreight’s new Maintenance Hub will provide a greater level of resilience and reliability for the seasonal fleet, right where we need it,” said Adam Southern, Delivery Director Track Treatment at Network Rail.
