Multi-million-pound upgrade begins at Yorkshire freight terminal

A multi-million pound project has started to upgrade the iPort Rail inland port near Doncaster in South Yorkshire.

The work is being carried out by Winvic Construction Ltd, which is a specialist in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects.

The work was commissioned after MSC-subsidiary MEDLOG reached an agreement to take over operations of the terminal.

It is scheduled to be completed by autumn 2025, when it will be handed over to iPort Rail’s new client Verdion, a real estate specialist for logistics operations throughout Europe.

iPort Rail forms part of iPort inland port, which is ideally situated at the heart of the UK’s rail network less than five minutes from the M18 Rotherham to Goole motorway.

Overall, iPort inland port is the UK’s most advanced multimodal logistics hub and occupies an 800-acre site with 6 million square feet of logistics and industrial space.

Work being carried out by Winvic Construction will double the current size and storage capacity of the terminal, and allow an increase in the number of trains the terminal can handle each day. That in turn will lead to an increase in the use of rail for the long distance, low-carbon transport of goods.

Included in the upgrade to iPort Rail is the installation of drainage and services, construction of a new welfare unit and gatehouse, and landscaping of the surrounding areas.

Throughout construction, the operation of iPort will continue as normal as the project has been designed to minimise disruption to existing customers.

As part of the construction materials is a specialist, robust reinforced concrete mix incorporating 45kg/m3 of 3D 55-60 steel fibres that can support the weight of five stacked containers. It is also robust enough to withstand the regular movement of reach stackers while limiting both tyre wear and ongoing maintenance.

We’re delighted that our credentials in constructing Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges and our expertise in pouring robust, reinforced concrete slabs has resulted in Verdion putting their trust in us to complete these works.

We look forward to working closely with the team over the next few months as we deliver the scheme safely and swiftly

Rob Cook, Winvic Director of Civils and Infrastructure

There is significant untapped potential here at iPort to increase rail freight provision and support national and international supply chains. Our agreement with MEDLOG creates a strong platform for future growth and we are pleased to be making good progress with the appointment of Winvic and its start on site.

John Clements, Executive Director of Verdion