In 2005, the Port of Felixstowe submitted an Application for a Transport and Works Act Order (the Felixstowe Branch Line and Ipswich Yard Improvement Order). The Order sought to increase the capacity of the Felixstowe branch line through the dualling of a 7km stretch of the existing single-track line between Trimley Station and a point west of Levington Bridge, to construct three 24-wagon sidings within the existing Ipswich marshalling yard, and to undertake some modifications at Westerfield level crossing. A Public Inquiry into the application was held in 2007.

The decision to grant the Felixstowe Branch Line and Ipswich Yard Improvement Order and for deemed planning permission was made by the Secretary of State for Transport on the 22 July 2008.

The Order came into force on October 14th 2008 and the permissions to undertake the works will be valid for a period of 5 years from this date.

The capacity enhancement will 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.

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.