London’s transport landscape is undergoing a quiet revolution, and two major projects are at its heart: a transformative freight terminal in Hertfordshire and a high-tech fleet upgrade on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). Both initiatives, announced in mid-October 2025, are set to reshape how goods and people move across the capital and its surrounding regions. They promise not only more efficient transport, but also significant environmental and community benefits.
First up is the ambitious Radlett project, a development that’s been years in the making. STRABAG UK, a well-known name in the construction sector, has clinched the contract to build the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett. According to Building, Design & Construction Magazine, this massive undertaking will take shape on the former Radlett Aerodrome site in Hertfordshire. The plan is bold: create a state-of-the-art rail freight terminal, complete with extensive distribution warehouses and, perhaps most eye-catchingly, over 600 acres of enhanced green space.
What’s the big idea? In a nutshell, it’s about shifting freight off the roads and onto the rails. The UK’s highways are famously congested, and heavy lorries aren’t exactly known for their green credentials. By moving more freight via trains, the Radlett project aims to cut carbon emissions and ease traffic. STRABAG UK’s Build Subdivision Technical Director, Ian Burford, summed up the vision, saying, “By shifting freight from road to rail, this project will play a major role in cutting carbon emissions and reducing road congestion. We look forward to working closely with SEGRO and other delivery partners to deliver this transformative project, maximising its sustainable legacy.”
Construction is set to unfold over the next three years, with a finish line somewhere around late 2028. But it’s not just about trains and warehouses—the project is also pitching itself as a win for the local community and the environment. The developers promise a biodiversity net gain, new employment and training opportunities, and integrated transport improvements. Charles Blake, Senior Director, National Markets at SEGRO, highlighted the partnership’s potential: “We’re pleased to be working with STRABAG UK on this vital next phase of SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett. STRABAG’s expertise will help deliver key infrastructure that supports the shift from road to rail, reduces carbon emissions, and enhances over 600 acres of green space. This is a major step towards a more sustainable and connected future.”
It’s a hefty promise, but it’s one that comes at a time when the UK is under pressure to meet its climate targets. Projects like Radlett are increasingly seen as essential to decarbonizing the transport sector, which remains one of the country’s biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The commitment to more than 600 acres of green space is also notable, offering a rare blend of logistics infrastructure and environmental stewardship. Such a vast area could become a haven for local wildlife and a much-needed green lung for the region, even as the site hums with commercial activity.
Meanwhile, in the heart of London, another transport transformation is already rolling out. Hitachi Rail has just equipped the new fleet of 54 DLR trains with its cutting-edge Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling technology. This isn’t just a technical upgrade; it’s a leap forward for a network that serves more than 100 million passengers across 45 stations each year.
The DLR has long been a backbone of East London’s transport system, famous for its driverless trains and its ability to whisk commuters through the Docklands with minimal fuss. But even icons need a facelift now and then. The new fleet replaces 32 aging 3-car trains with 43 brand-new units, plus an extra 11 trains to boost capacity, bringing the total to 54. The trains themselves were developed and manufactured by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), while Hitachi Rail handled the integration of the new digital signalling systems.
Why does this matter? The CBTC technology allows trains to run closer together and more reliably, which means fewer delays and the potential for more frequent service. For a city as fast-paced as London, that’s no small thing. Andrew Bell, Vice President at Hitachi Rail UK, put it this way: “For more than three decades, we have supported the growth and evolution of the DLR network, helping ensure it remains modern, reliable, and accessible for Londoners today and into the future. The DLR programme is also part of Hitachi Rail’s wider mission to rethink mobility, supporting cities worldwide in delivering greener, smarter, and more connected transport. By integrating our digital CBTC signalling, we are helping to shape a railway that continues to lead the way in urban mobility and will serve the capital for decades to come.”
Hitachi Rail’s involvement with the DLR is hardly new. The company has played a role in several key expansions over the years, including the extensions to Lewisham in 1999, London City Airport in 2005, and Woolwich Arsenal in 2009. Each of these projects has helped the DLR keep pace with London’s growth, and the latest upgrade is no exception. The new trains and signalling systems are designed to handle the demands of a city that never stands still.
Both the Radlett freight interchange and the DLR upgrade reflect a broader trend in UK transport policy: the push for greener, more efficient, and more connected infrastructure. The government and industry leaders alike are betting that investments in rail—both for freight and for passengers—can help tackle everything from air pollution to economic inequality. The hope is that projects like these will not only make journeys faster and more reliable, but also create jobs, boost local economies, and leave a lighter footprint on the planet.
Of course, delivering on these promises won’t be easy. Large infrastructure projects are notorious for running into delays, budget overruns, and local opposition. But the scale and ambition of both the Radlett and DLR initiatives suggest a willingness to think big and a recognition that the status quo won’t cut it anymore. With construction on Radlett set to span three years and the DLR’s new trains already entering service, Londoners and Hertfordshire residents alike will soon see—and feel—the impact of these investments.
As the city and its suburbs continue to grow, the question isn’t just how people and goods will get from A to B. It’s about how to do it in a way that’s cleaner, smarter, and fairer for everyone. With projects like these, the UK is taking a big step in that direction, blending technological innovation with a commitment to sustainability and community benefit. The coming years will reveal just how transformative these changes will be, but for now, the tracks are being laid for a greener, more connected future.
