Gross Annual Tonnage

This is a measure of network capability to describe the ability of a route to accommodate incremental traffic volumes, expressed in terms of gross annualised tonnage.

We have categorised the network in order to provide an initial assessment of the current capability of a route and its ability to sustain a step-change in volume, to help Train Operators plan and deliver their businesses

Operators can use this information in conjunction with forecasts of traffic developments to assess the impact of proposed traffic changes on existing capability. If there is an indication that additional traffic might exceed current tonnage capabilities, Network Rail should be consulted so that we can jointly plan for the proposed increase in traffic.

This capability categorisation is being published for the first time in the form of a map. The map shows the highest tonnage capability on a given line of route. Capability may alter between differing lines within a route section, so the accompanying table should be consulted for more specific data. The map and a more detailed table of tonnage capability are available to railway industry parties as supplementary information within the National Electronic Sectional Appendix, accessed via the link provided.

More information

More general information about network capability is provided in our Network Statement (Section 3), also published on this web-site.