Dyer & Butler delivers winter emergency response works on behalf of Network Rail

Dyer & Butler, a multi-disciplined engineering services specialist focused on essential infrastructure including airports, railways and highways and part of M Group Services, has delivered a number of emergency response schemes on behalf of Network Rail over the winter period.

Dyer & Butler’s works delivery team has provided a range of preventative intervention and reactive response services including embankment strengthening, flooding protection and drainage repairs following heavy rainfall across Network Rail’s Kent, Sussex & Wessex Route.

The projects delivered to date include:

• October 2019 - Croydon Park Hill (minor works): installation of erosion protection at the crest of the existing cutting as part of flood protection works
• November 2019 to December 2019 - Southease (major works): embankment stabilisation measures and flood protection works – Dyer & Butler’s first major works incident response reactive emergency callout from the Network Rail works delivery team following inclement weather and high tides that saw water from the river Ouse penetrating the existing embankment.
• December 2019 - Markbeech Tunnel (minor works): emergency drainage works adjacent to the tunnel area
• December 2019 to February 2020 - Wivelsfield (major works): a reactive emergency callout to assess and implement embankment stabilisation
• January 2020 - Hever (major works): embankment stabilisation and de-vegetation works following an embankment slip

Network Rail Works Delivery Manager, Nad Campbell, commented: The wet weather conditions we have experienced over the winter period has had an inevitable impact on a number of railway cuttings and embankments across our network. The delivery of these critical works play a vital role in ensuring that our passengers and our staff remain safe and in minimising disruption. These works require a great team effort and I am delighted by the collaborative, round the clock approach that underlines our commitment to putting passengers first.”

Dyer & Butler Rail Director, Chris Darlow, added: “These emergency response works offer an excellent example of collaborative working and exceptional teamwork in often challenging working conditions. Providing fast and effective response is vital to these works as we look to support Network Rail and minimise disruption levels for its passengers.” 

Network Rail uses helicopters equipped with laser imaging, detection and ranging to identify sites prone to landslips in order to keep passengers and staff working on trains safe. Motion sensors and CCTV are then used to detect any sign of soil and rock movement at any sites identified as being at risk of landslip.