The South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA) Drainage team has successfully completed a major infrastructure renewal project at Gobowen, Shropshire, replacing a critical cross-track drainage asset designed to protect both the railway and the surrounding area from flooding.
At the heart of the project was the replacement of an ageing siphon that carries a nearby river beneath the railway. The investment forms part of ongoing efforts to improve the resilience of the rail network against increasingly challenging weather conditions and future flood risks.
Before construction could commence, the team worked closely with Network Rail, Shropshire Council, local landowners, the Lead Local Flood Authority and Natural Resources Wales to secure the necessary approvals, permits and environmental consents.
To maintain the natural flow of the watercourse throughout the works, a comprehensive temporary water management system was installed. This included a temporary dam, over-pumping arrangements and contingency pumping equipment, allowing the river to be safely diverted away from the worksite while construction activities took place.
The project required significant civil engineering and railway works. Sections of track were removed and excavations carried out to approximately two metres below track level, with deeper excavations undertaken on either side of the railway embankment. These works provided essential access to the existing siphon and created the foundations needed for the installation of the replacement system.
A new prefabricated headwall structure was installed, incorporating three 900mm diameter siphon bores to improve water conveyance and long-term reliability. Once the drainage infrastructure was in place, the railway formation and track were fully reinstated, including track stressing, tamping and all associated groundworks, ensuring the route was returned to service with the highest track quality standards.
A key innovation delivered as part of the scheme was the installation of a fully automated solar and hydro-powered electric trash screen. The self-managing system prevents debris from entering the siphon by automatically removing material onto a conveyor belt, which then deposits it into the cess. This technology is expected to substantially reduce maintenance requirements while also minimising pollution risks for local waterways and wildlife habitats.
The project represents a significant enhancement to the long-term resilience of the railway infrastructure in the area, helping to reduce flood risk, improve operational reliability and lessen the maintenance burden associated with the existing asset.
SRSA Production Manager, Joe Smales, said:
“Ultimately, the completed infrastructure upgrades provide a much more resilient solution and should significantly reduce the risk of flooding that has previously occurred
“The new system removes a lot of the difficulties associated with maintaining and clearing the existing asset.
“I’m thankful for our team, supply chain and organisations we worked alongside on a really significant project for the local community, with a substantial amount of complex civil engineering, railway and environmental work delivered within the project.”
The successful completion of the Gobowen drainage renewal demonstrates the value of collaborative working across the rail industry, local authorities and environmental stakeholders to deliver infrastructure that supports both railway performance and environmental sustainability.
Image credit: Colas Rail
