SHEPHERDSWELL OVERBRIDGE

In early February 2023 a week long blockade was in place on the mainline between Dover Priory and Faversham. Our works took us to the village of Shepherdswell where a road bridge needed some repairs.

Previous surveys had identified several structural repairs needed to be carried out, however, sue to the hights and span of the bridge a substantial scaffold and deck had to be installed so that these works could be carried out safely and within the timescale permitted of the line closure.

We provided a number of specialist brickwork teams to carry out these works, around the clock, and fully covering the 7 day line closure, along with safety critical staff and a number of PTS labourers who had the energetic task of transporting materials to the base of the scaffold and then hoisting to the large deck.

Carrying out essential brickwork repairs is our speciality here at AW Rail and our teams relish these challenges and tight deadlines to perform. Repairs included recasement, stitching, tab and point.

This was part of Network Rails £3m project to stabilise cuttings and embankments at six sites between Faversham and Dover. The work was needed due to the risk of landslips on the line disrupting passenger and freight services.

We had to carry out our works within a very busy site at Shepherdswell as several other contractors were completing devegetation works, lighting upgrades, track enhancements and more. We completed our programme of works on time and ahead of schedule thanks to the dedication of our teams and staff on site, and the collaborative nature of all those that took part in this extensive blockade.