GB Railfreight has successfully operated the first freight train into Horton Quarry in Ribblesdale, North Yorkshire, marking the site’s return to rail operations for the first time since 1965. Owned by Heidelberg Materials UK, the quarry has supplied limestone and high-quality gritstone for road and runway surfacing since its establishment in 1889.
A newly constructed rail terminal within the quarry is now undergoing a two-week testing phase. Once trials are complete, the facility is expected to support the regular dispatch of construction materials across the North West, with the quarry poised to play a central role in Heidelberg Materials’ regional distribution strategy.
The resumption of rail services represents a major shift in logistics for the site. Each train operated by GB Railfreight will carry approximately 1,650 tonnes of limestone, with a single fully loaded service capable of removing up to 129 lorry journeys from the road network. The move is expected to contribute significantly to reducing road traffic and lowering transport-related carbon emissions.
“Re-utilising sites like Horton Quarry is essential to growing rail freight – doing so makes our roads safer and improves air quality. Getting trains running from the Quarry again is testament to the hard work of many, and I am delighted that GB Railfreight is running this service for Heidelberg Materials,” John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer of GB Railfreight, commented.
“The re-opening of this connection is a key part of our strategy to improve our network of rail-connected quarries and depots. It will allow us to supply high-quality aggregate to major construction projects by rail, reducing vehicle movements on the wider road network and cutting associated CO₂ emissions – it has been great to work with GB Railfreight to deliver this new service,” Becky Murphy, Aggregates Regional Director at Heidelberg Materials UK, added.
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