Carlin Gill Embankment, Cumbria

Client: NETWORK RAIL
A major embankment stabilisation scheme along the west coast main line.

The project consisted of improving the stability of existing embankments to five localised areas of the West Coast Main Line. As a result of this, prior to any works commencing, we had to construct a temporary haul road of circa 3,000m in length to serve the site. Not only were we faced with harsh and often changeable weather conditions, there were further obstacles in how we delivered the works. The gas pipe line which ran throughout the worksite, meant we had to take preventative measures throughout the project. Moreover there was a threat of unexploded ordnance which we were tasked with finding and safely removing.

The works themselves comprised of the import of granular fill in excess of 30,000 tonnes to allow stabilisation, which was closely monitored at all times by our on-site Geotechnical Engineer. Environmental considerations were also very significant as the river Lune ran to the toe of the works, and natural wildlife was also protected.