Earthworks: cutting slopes and embankments
We’re responsible for managing the infrastructure slopes that enable 20,000 miles of track to connect communities across the country.
We manage a portfolio of over 190,000 earthwork assets that include:
- Embankments – a construction that allows railway lines to pass at an acceptable level and gradient over low lying ground.
- Soil cuttings – an excavation that allow railway lines to pass at an acceptable level and gradient. They go through ground composed entirely or mostly of soil.
- Rock cuttings – an excavation that allows railway lines to pass at an acceptable level and gradient through the surrounding ground that is composed entirely or predominantly of rock.
Most of our infrastructure slopes are over 150 years old. They do not offer the same capability and resilience as modern engineered slopes.
Futureproofing our infrastructure
As a founding member of the UK Geotechnical Asset Owners’ Forum we have earned recognition as experts in earthworks asset management. We use a risk based policy for targeting important maintenance work (to drainage and vegetation) and capital investment, to strengthen slopes like those in Buckinghamshire. Our teams of specialist geotechnical engineers use examination data and monitoring results to determine the appropriate intervention at the right time, such as the works to this embankment in Streatham, south London.
Dealing with landslips
Our infrastructure slopes often show vulnerability after prolonged wet weather or heavy rainfall. This can lead to landslips. More information about what we’re doing to help prevent landslips and the delays they cause can be found in our delays explained section.
Earthworks Technical Strategy
In June 2018 we published our earthworks technical strategy. This articulates our priorities and key activities to enable continued long term improvements in safety performance.