NEW proposals have been set out by Network Rail that could reduce the number of times lorries move through Shenfield and Brentwood town centre as part of the Crossrail plans.

The firm is proposing a temporary rail access point at Officers’ Meadow to the east of Shenfield station. Network Rail says the scheme, once in progress, would allow the project to reduce lorry movements by up to 90 per cent.

The proposals comprise of a temporary access track, around 650m long, to be built from the A1203 Chelmsford Road and the construction of a temporary working and storage compound.

The HGVs would deliver materials and equipment to the compound, from where it would be transferred on to rail vehicles .

The land would be required between December 2015 and December 2017 and the site would be fully restored to its previous condition after use .

The site is on green belt land and planning permission would be required.

Matthew White, surface director at Crossrail, said: “Residents have told us their concerns around the impact that Crossrail construction could have in the local area and so we have worked hard to find solutions to ensure that disruption for local people is kept to a minimum.

“We believe that these proposals provide an opportunity to significantly reduce HGV movements in the town centre.”

An information session is being held by Network Rail on Wednesday, September 2, from 3.30pm to 8.30pm, at Hutton Poplars Hall to allow people to find out more about the proposals