The government have announced an investment of £17 million into Southampton’s freight train infrastructure.

The move aims to boost the national economy by increasing supply capacity and strengthening links into the city’s docks.

It is also hoped the cash injection will have environmental benefits.

Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris announced the plans today and said the decision will have "a profound effect" on the nation's economy post COVID.

He said: “ Not only will this lead to a greener and more cost-efficient way to transport freight from Southampton, but the economic benefits will also be substantial.

“Our freight industry has played an integral role through this pandemic, helping keep this country moving, and this investment will ensure it continues to support our economic recovery.”

The government has said it plans to spend the money on developing track and signalling infrastructure to support the lengthening of freight trains, which would allow more freight to be transported between Southampton and the Midlands.

Daily Echo:

Longer freight trains offer a greener solution, reducing traffic congestion and cutting air pollution

The investment will see the maximum length of freight train to reach 775 metres, 255 metres longer than is currently allowed, significantly increasing cargo capacity.

The upgrade would increase supply through Southampton docks, the country’s second busiest container port, increasing the volume of goods transported to and from the Midlands.

Mark Killick, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said: “The railway in Southampton plays a vital role in bringing goods into the country and sending exports overseas.

"Our upgrades will support up to 14 extra containers for each train, providing a great boost for Britain’s freight network and those businesses relying on it to transport goods to stock shops, and materials for industry."

MP for Southampton Itchen, Royston Smith said the investment "shows how serious the Government is about levelling-up and improving our environment."

He added: "It’s initiatives such as this and shore power for ships visiting the Port which will improve Southampton’s air quality, not harebrained schemes to charge lorries and cars to enter the city.”

Network Rail said the introduction of the longer trains will lead to "some line closures in January and February 2021" and advised customers to plan their journeys in advance.