Balfour will build the first of three rail terminals and double track the branch line to the new deep-sea container port being built on the north bank of the River Thames, situated east of central London.

The rail terminal will be able to accommodate trains up to 34 wagons long

Gina Acosta, London Gateway Port/Park Interface and Rail Terminal Manager said: “We recognise that customers are looking for a reliable service that will reduce transportation costs.

“With 33% of London Gateway port’s throughput expected to go by rail, we are committed to having the right infrastructure and operational processes in place from day one.  We are also future proofing rail capacity by double tracking the branch line.”

Marshall Scott, Managing Director at Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering said: “We are delighted to be working with London Gateway to build this important rail infrastructure which will help make the UK more competitive and create new options for distribution of freight.”

Andrew Bowen, London Gateway Engineering Director said: “I am pleased to have Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering working with us to develop London Gateway’s infrastructure in time for our opening next year.”

London Gateway will open in Q4 2013 and become the UK’s premier logistics centre.