Network Rail is investing £33 million to prevent landslips on the East Coast Main Line, in one of the largest projects of its kind.
Passenger and freight journeys on the line are being protected from unstable ground conditions at the site of an active landslip at Browney Curve near Durham.
Engineers have been working to stabilise one kilometre of railway built on top of an embankment since September 2023. Land beneath the tracks has been slowly moving and could force the closure of the vital Anglo-Scottish route to close for urgent and lengthy repairs without intervention.
Now teams in Network Rail’s Eastern region are taking proactive steps to protect passenger and freight services from the landslip, while keeping trains running.
Jon Calvert, Network Rail’s portfolio delivery director, said: “Keeping the railway running safely and smoothly is what we’re here to do, and it’s paramount for us to take proactive action like here at Browney Curve to prevent problems before they happen.
“This is a mammoth worksite, the largest ever of its kind in Network Rail’s Eastern region, and our engineers are working tirelessly to secure the East Coast Main Line for the future. It’s a huge achievement to have done this while causing minimal disruption to this vital rail route, which will soon be better protected for passengers and freight for years to come.”
The work includes:
- Installing 529 piles between 18 and 25 metres deep into the ground
- Improving drainage to prevent waterlogging
- Widening the embankment to make it less steep
- Planting new trees and wildflower meadows to strengthen the ground
The 400th pile has just been installed, taking the project to around 75% complete. It is projected to conclude this autumn before the wet winter arrives.
The regrading of the embankment is forecast to be completed next spring.
Image credit: Network Rail
