Railway line between Aldershot and Guildford reopens after landslip
Network Rail engineers have reinforced the slope near Wanborough
Last updated 7th Jan 2021
The line between Aldershot and Guildford has reopened after a landslip disrupted train services last month near Wanborough.
Engineers have been fixing the 40 metre landslip since the embankment collapsed during Storm Bella on 27 December 2020.
Network Rail said it was due to heavy rain - with the slope deteriorating, leaving the track unsupported.
The work to stabilise the site near Westwood Lane bridge has involved sinking 17-metre long steel sheets into the ground to prevent the earth from moving any further.
Train services resumed today between Guildford, Aldershot and Wokingham.
Mark Killick, route director, Network Rail Wessex said: "Our engineers have worked tirelessly to carry out these essential repairs, and I want to thank everyone involved for their efforts and to passengers and local residents for their patience and understanding.
"The emergency work is now complete and the line has reopened for critical workers, however our team will stay on site to deliver the remaining activity and ensure the embankment is secure for years to come."
Derek Butcher, Network Rail Southern region's route asset manager for geotechnics, said: "London Clay is not a material we would build railways out of these days, but our Victorian ancestors weren't so advanced with their knowledge of soil mechanics.
"At this location the embankment had absorbed so much water over December, it moved out from underneath the track, leaving the railway unsupported."