The Secretary of State for Transport gives notice under section 14(1)(b), (2A) (3A) and (3AA) of the Transport and Works Act 1992 (“the Act”) that he has determined under section 13(1) of the Act to make with modifications the Network Rail (Felixstowe Branch Line Improvements – Level Crossings Closure) Order (“the Order”).

The Order was applied for by Network Rail Infrastructure Limited, (“NR”) of 1 Eversholt Street, London NW1 2DN. It will authorise Network Rail to close six pedestrian level crossings (two of which can currently also be used by provate farm vehicles) and construct a replacement bridleway bridge, provide associated environmental mitigation and carry out upgrades and diversions to the local public rights of way network. The proposals are located in the County of Suffolk with the parishes of Trimley St Martin and Trimley St Mary and forms part of wider scheme to increase capacity to the Felixstowe Branch Line Railway and secures public safety and reduces risk to the rail newtwork. The Order will also authorise the compulsory acquisition and temporary use of land for the purposes of the scheme. Copies of the Order, once made, may be obtained from the Stationery Office or through booksellers.

The Secretary of State has, pursuant to section 14(1)(a) of the Act, given notice of his determination by way of a decision letter dated 14 August 2018, copies of which may be obtained from the TWA Orders Unit, Department for Transport, Zone 1/14, Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR. That letter gives the reasons for the determination and the considerations upon which it is based; information about the public participation process; and information regarding the right to challenge the validity of the determination and the procedures for doing so.

The Secretary of State confirms that, before making this determination, he considered the environmental statement provided by the applicant and all objections and other representations relating to it, and that he otherwise complied with the obligations referred to in section 14(3A) of the Act. For the purposes of section 14(3AA), he confirms that the main measures to avoid, reduce and, if possible, remedy any major adverse environmental effects are those set out in paragraphs 38 to 40 of the decision letter and by the planning conditions at Annex 1 of the decision letter.

Natasha Kopala

Head of the TWA Orders Unit, Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 4DR