Freight train capacity to and from the Port of Liverpool have doubled after final works on the £8.3m Bootle branch rail line upgrade have completed, it has been announced.
Funded by the Department for Transport, the upgrade allows up to two freight trains an hour in each direction.
The Government added that the upgrade is now "alleviating pressure on the pinch point" between the West Coast Main Line and the Port of Liverpool by doubling the previous 400 metre section of single track.
A statement added: "Not only has this enabled an increase in the amount of goods which can be transported, making an important contribution to the national economy, it will do so without adding more lorry journeys, congestion and emissions to our road network.
"Moving goods by rail results in just one quarter of the equivalent carbon dioxide emissions compared to road, and rail freight supports the country in meeting our targets for net zero."
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: "I am delighted that the upgraded Bootle line has opened, offering more opportunities for reliable, greener rail freight to transport goods to and from the thriving Port of Liverpool.
"Rail freight is one of the most sustainable ways to move goods and it is exciting to see our investments in the North boosting the economy and levelling up the region."
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Phil James, North West route director at Network Rail, added: "We have been delighted to have work with Peel Ports and the Department of Transport to remove a bottleneck on the rail network for economically and environmentally important freight trains.
"With a new 400m double tracked railway successfully in place, it gives the Port of Liverpool increased capacity to transport more goods by train.
"This will cut carbon emissions and reduce congestion by taking lorries off our roads, helping the country build back better after the pandemic."
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David Huck, managing director of Peel Ports, said: "This is truly transformational news for the Port of Liverpool and for the future of sustainable supply chains.
"The new rail line upgrade enables even more choice and connectivity for customers by providing four departures per day from the container terminal. This is in addition to our long-standing bulk rail services.
"We can now reach the central belt of Scotland as well as East and West Midland destinations with ease.
"Combined with our significant investments in infrastructure, our people, processes and technology, the news further strengthens the proposition for Liverpool as a strong, viable alternative location to southern ports."