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Thursday 4 Apr 2024

Work begins to reinstate railway test site in Leicestershire after a landslip forced line to close

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Midlands

Network Rail teams have started work at Old Dalby test track in Leicestershire to repair and futureproof the site using tech that’s kinder to neighbours and the environment.

Adverse weather conditions and limited access meant work has only recently been able to start at the site of the landslip which occurred in December 2023, with an estimated completion date of summer 2024.

Network Rail engineers have already started removing 17,000 tonnes of soil and other vegetation from the landslip site, preparing for 19,500 tonnes of material which will be needed to reconstruct the full embankment.

Over the coming months, a new, 370m drainage system will be put in place to help prevent future landslips at the site and 265m of track will be removed and replaced, as well as the installation of new overhead line equipment.

To be considerate to local residents, where possible Network Rail engineers will mainly be working during the day and will be using a remotely controlled solar powered generator to power the site which will reduce noise.

Originally used as an operational railway in 1879, the line at Old Dalby was converted into a test site in 1966 with the line forming part of the wider Rail Innovation and Development Centre in Melton. It is used to test new trains and technology ahead of their use on the operational railway.

The 13-mile route runs between Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire and Edwalton in Nottinghamshire.

Julia Territt, director, Supply Chain Operations at Network Rail said: “Our engineers have started working on site to remove 17,000 tonnes of material to progress with rebuilding the embankment at Old Dalby.

“We have a clear programme of work to repair the site of the landslip with an estimated completion date of summer 2024.

“We want to thank local residents for their patience while the work is on-going.”