On 13th December 2005, the Port of Felixstowe submitted an Application for a Transport and Works Act Order to increase the capacity of the Felixstowe branch line through the dualling of a 41/4-mile stretch of the existing single-track line between Trimley Station and a point west of Levington Bridge. The capacity enhancement would allow up to 40 freight trains per day to run in each direction by the year 2020, and will help the newly configured Port of Felixstowe to achieve a rail modal share of 26% - taking a total of 500,000 lorry movements off the roads.

The Port has also submitted proposals to construct three additional 24-wagon sidings within the existing Ipswich marshalling yard, and to undertake some modifications at Westerfield level crossing.

A Public Inquiry into the Felixstowe branch line proposals was held from 13th March 2007. A decision on the outcome of the Inquiry is expected in late 2007.

In parallel with these local rail improvements, HPUK is working closely with Network Rail to fund gauge and capacity improvements to the route between Ipswich and Peterborough and the East Coast Main Line, and its diversionary routes to south Yorkshire. HPUK needs to enter into binding legal agreements for these remote rail works before construction can commence on the Felixstowe South Reconfiguration.