The final phase of Telford’s new multi-million pound rail freight terminal – due to create 400 jobs – got under way today as contractors moved onto the site.

The construction of the final phase got the go-ahead after a multi-million contract was signed by bosses from Wrekin Construction.

Staff from the Telford-based company’s rail division in Runcorn travelled to the site in Donnington to make a start.

Tom Heath, project manager for Stafford Park-based Jacobs, which is overseeing the project on behalf of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “It’s a 26-week contract to construct the new rail freight depot and connect the depot up to the line at Wellington.

“This first week will see contractors getting the site set up. They will start to do the vegetation strip and prepare the site for the first rails to be laid in about six weeks.”

Mr Heath said the construction work on the massive development was expected to be finished by December, with the terminal opening early next year.

Once open, the terminal, which is next to the A518, will have open access for traffic from all businesses who wish to use the rail network. At the same time the council will start to market about 26 acres of land next to the site.

It is the development of this land that will bring the bulk of the jobs the terminal is expected to create.

In addition to improving the town’s infrastructure, the council says it will help to make Telford a more attractive place for businesses and employment creation. Officials say it will also help to reduce the number of lorries on the roads.