The Newport-Gloucester line connects South Wales with the West Country, Midlands and north of England, providing a vital link for passengers.
Running alongside the Severn Estuary - exposed to rain, wind and sea - more frequent extreme weather has seen the line devastated by five major landslips in the last two years alone. This has led to extended closures of the railway and temporary speed restrictions, delaying more than 200,000 trains.
As well as disrupting passengers, this also impacts essential freight services, with 43 freight trains passing through every week, moving; steel, petrol, and construction materials. The route also serves ‘Tesco trains’, keeping supermarkets stocked with essential supplies.
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With the long-term viability of the line at stake, Network Rail engineers have developed a multi-million-pound plan to the protect the railway’s future.
Work is due to begin in summer 2022 and will include the removal of more than 30,000 tonnes of material from the cliff face. A state-of-the-art mesh and bolt system will then be installed alongside three miles of track, stabilising the rockface and preventing landslips from affecting the track below.
Bill Kelly, route director, Network Rail Wales and Borders said: "We've seen a huge increase in extreme weather events across our network in recent years. Climate change is happening here and now, and across Wales and Borders - from the Conwy Valley to the Welsh marches and Severn Estuary - we’re responding by building a more resilient railway.
"As well as saving taxpayers’ money and reducing delays for passengers and freight – we’re protecting this vital Welsh transport link for generations to come."
