Horton quarry, which has been producing limestone and high-quality gritstone since  1889, is situated within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and its original rail siding  was removed in 1965.

The newly constructed rail terminal at the quarry is undergoing testing. Once fully  operational each rail movement will supply around 1,650 tonnes of aggregate to  construction projects across the north west.

“The reopening of the rail link is fantastic news and has been years in the making,”  said Becky Murphy, Aggregates Regional Director at Heidelberg Materials UK.

“It will allow us to supply high-quality aggregate to major construction projects by rail, reducing vehicle movements on the wider road network and cutting associated CO₂  emissions.”

The reinstated line connects with the Settle to Carlisle railway line, which is celebrating  its 150th anniversary this year.

The work has been carried out by Duo Group, VolkerRail and AECOM, in partnership  with Network Rail, and the trains are being operated by GB Railfreight.