The utilisation of sustainable transportation is a fundamental factor in the RRP concept, and the ability to create a modern, efficient freight transport system that utilises, wherever possible national and international shipping routes, inland waterways, railways and the strategic road network is a basic design requirement.

A key element of the Resource Recovery Park is its ability to provide sustainable transport infrastructure, with the capability of moving freight and goods on rail, road or water. The site at Ince Marshes will provide the RRP with a fully multi-modal integrated transport network. Junction 14 of the M56 is less than 2 miles from the site and provides direct access to the strategic road network, there will also be access to the national rail network and the site has an existing berth on the adjacent Manchester Ship Canal. 

Multi-modal transport will reduce the negative environmental impacts of the development and will minimise the amount of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. There will be reduced pressure on the landscape and reduced noise and disturbance from freight movements associated with the development.

As part of the proposal, and to fully achieve the multi-modal potential of the site, various improvements and upgrading work will be required to the existing berth and rail access.

Dry Cargo Facility

The existing berth of 192 metres in length was designed solely to accommodate tankers carrying heavy fuel oil to the old Ince ‘B’ power station. The oil was pumped directly from the berth to storage tanks and therefore the berth was designed only to take these oil tankers. It is proposed to convert this facility into a multi-cargo facility with the appropriate handling and storage facilities. The facility will be rail linked to enable transhipment of cargo directly from rail to sea and vice versa.

To enable the berth to handle dry bulk goods to serve the RRP the following work will be required:

• Strengthening of the existing quay apron over a length of 335 metres
• Construction of bulk cargo/general cargo storage sheds, and open storage areas for suitable materials
• Construction of rail terminal facilities with associated sidings and storage sheds
• Construction of port administrative and ancillary infrastructure buildings

This facility will provide multi-modal opportunities for the users of the RRP, but it is also hoped that this facility will provide opportunities for any adjacent businesses to use the canal berth, storage areas and the associated rail head.

Visit the Manchester Ship Canal website here >>

Rail Head and Connection to the National Rail Network

The proposed railhead will join the existing spur south of the Kemira plant and link with the main rail line and from there into the regional and national rail network.