QTS have completed essential repairs near Ulverston allowing trains to get back up and running between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness.
Strong winds and heavy rain bought about by Storm Bert in November caused a nearby watercourse to break its banks, with 300 tonnes of earth spilling onto the tracks.
A temporary fix, including diverting the existing watercourse via a 130 metre long “water slide”, an innovative use of flood barriers to divert the brook, was put in place to allow engineers to fully repair the earthwork.
Working throughout the day and night, our teams have cleared the track of debris, installed 1600 tonnes of new stone to build up the earthwork, and reinstated the tracks and ballast, allowing trains to run safely.
”It’s a testament to the speed in which our team mobilised and the hard work they have put in, that we have been able to reopen the line quickly and safely. By utilising a series of innovative design methods to ensure that the water was diverted, we have been able to stabilise and repair the groundwork in an efficient manner, allowing normal services to resume.
Gary BurnettRegional Director (England & Wales)
”We’re grateful to customers for their patience whilst Network Rail carried out this essential safety work to strengthen the embankment at Ulverston. Now that the work is complete, we can resume services along the line for our customers.
Craig HarropNetwork Rail Regional Director for Northern
