Wylam works to protect railway complete

The nine-month programme to protect part of the Newcastle – Carlisle railway line from erosion by the River Tyne has successfully been completed.

The river had eroded the Keelman’s Way footpath next to the tracks, so Story Contracting and supply chain partners, on behalf of Network Rail, made repairs and put defensive measures in place.

The team worked through challenging weather conditions and site access, to deliver repairs, install rock armour and reinstate the slope to protect against further erosion on the route between Wylam and Clara Vale.

As well as allowing trains to run safely and reliably through that section of track for future years, it also allowed the popular Keelman’s Way footpath, which has been closed for the past two years, to reopen.

Jonathan Ham, Lead Portfolio Manager for Network Rail, said: “We had to close Keelman’s Way while we did some important work between Wylam and Clara Vale. Now that’s done we can keep the trains running safely and reliably through that section of track for future years.

“It also means that Keelman’s Way footpath, which we know is well used by the community, can reopen.”