Work Detail |
UK’s Network Rail has completed a GBP 33 million reinforcement project on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) at Browney Curve in County Durham, securing a key section of railway and addressing a long-standing ground stability issue dating back nearly two centuries. The works, which began in September 2023, stabilised a 400-metre stretch of track running alongside the River Browney. Over 500 piles were installed to prevent potential landslips, with all work carried out without disrupting passenger services. The Browney Curve has long been known for its challenging ground conditions. This project, completed as the ECML marks its 200th anniversary, resolves the issue with modern engineering methods. Several innovations contributed to reducing the project’s environmental impact, including: Saving nearly 9,000 tonnes of CO2 by using non-prime, second-hand steel stock Cutting over 600 tonnes of CO2 through local sourcing of materials, boosting the County Durham economy A further 600-tonne reduction via technical improvements in pile design “This has been one of the largest geotechnical projects in the country, combining modern sustainable engineering solutions with our rich railway heritage. The ECML has been serving communities for almost 200 years, and this work ensures it will continue to do so reliably and safely,” Tom Grainger, Lead Portfolio Manager at Network Rail, said: “What makes this project particularly special is how we’ve used cutting-edge technology to solve a centuries-old challenge of managing land stability around railway infrastructure, while significantly reducing our carbon footprint.” Network Rail also confirmed plans for additional environmental works later this year, including tree planting along the riverbank to provide further natural erosion protection. |