In November 2024, the intense rainfall from Storm Bert caused a landslip on the CBC railway near Ulverston, Cumbria. The Barn Beck, cresting a 10m high cutting, overflowed, saturating the slope and collapsing it onto the railway. The beck was diverted onto the tracks, blocking the line and flooding the nearby station.
Network Rail’s emergency response contractor, QTS, assisted by designers at Fairhurst, mobilised within two hours of the event. Around 1,500t of material had failed, and the beck was flowing at 500l/sec, overwhelming the drainage. Channel damage extended upstream, cutting 2-3m deep over 130m.
Within a day, intrusive ground investigations began. A 200m temporary flume and over-pumping system, handling 2,100l/sec, were implemented, supported by remote monitoring and weather forecasting. This enabled detailed inspections and clearance using QTS’s track-mounted plant, allowing Network Rail to reopen the line under speed restrictions in just three days.
The permanent solution, developed collaboratively, involved a geogrid-reinforced coarse stone regrade to restore the cutting profile. A geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) was introduced to prevent water infiltration. The new beck channel was built using site-won and imported stone, rock roll bags, and mattresses, with a natural gravel bed for future renaturalization.
Engineering trains streamlined logistics, reducing 700 lorry journeys and eliminating heavy-duty access roads. Rail-dependent works were completed within a 52-hour blockade. Small plant and manual labour minimised costs and environmental impact.
Safe working practices under 33kV power lines were developed with Electricity North West. The entire project was delivered in under 26 days, with only five days of rail closures—an impressive achievement through true collaboration and innovation.
AWARDS
Shortlisted – Ground Engineering Awards, UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of between £1M and £3M, 2025
