VolkerFitzpatrick Completes Critical Landslide Prevention Works at Fareham Cutting on Behalf of Network Rail
VolkerFitzpatrick, in collaboration with Network Rail and our supply chain partners, has successfully completed the installation of over 800 soil nails, some reaching lengths of up to 25 metres, to stabilise the Fareham cutting in south-east Hampshire. This extensive slope stabilisation project, situated along the Eastleigh-Fareham railway line on Network Rail’s Wessex route, marks the culmination of essential work to safeguard the railway and nearby communities from landslides.
The project began in November 2023, with phases addressing immediate stabilisation needs after significant slope movement was detected due to heavy rainfall. Monitoring was established at the Fareham cutting in late 2023, incorporating instruments for tracking deep-seated movements and level survey information for the track and nearby structures. When initial assessments showed a risk of further movement, VolkerFitzpatrick was mobilised promptly to begin emergency slope stabilisation measures, including the installation of soil nails in the lower sections.
In January 2024, the Eastleigh-Fareham line was temporarily closed to allow safety-critical repairs. Following the emergency intervention, additional soil nailing work was planned to stabilise shallower areas. This solution, designed in partnership with Leeke Associates, VolkerFitzpatrick, and Network Rail, implemented soil nails reaching depths of up to 25 meters to secure the steep cutting.
As this is one of the deepest railway cuttings in the Wessex region, extensive logistical planning and innovative solutions were required. Drawing on lessons learned from similar emergency work at Woking, the team devised a working platform on the slope, allowing the railway to remain operational during soil nailing, minimising disruption to passengers and freight.
“Without this intervention, continued adverse weather conditions could have led to a major landslip, disrupting services and posing safety risks to the public,” said a Network Rail spokesperson. In addition to the soil nails, 250 metres of track in the vicinity have been relayed to restore safe and efficient operations, with drainage improvements planned to ensure ongoing slope stability.
This project exemplifies VolkerFitzpatrick’s commitment to collaborative and innovative engineering solutions that prioritise safety, community impact, and operational efficiency.
“This project demonstrates the strength of our collaborative approach with Network Rail and the ingenuity of our engineering teams, who worked tirelessly to implement advanced stabilising techniques on such challenging terrain. We are proud to have delivered a solution that will protect this vital railway link, ensuring safe and reliable travel for passengers and freight.”
Lee Clifton Contracts Manager at VolkerFitzpatrick
