Network Rail has carried out essential work at Purfleet on the London to Grays line to improve an embankment and protect the railway line. This work will keep the line clear for those who need to travel by train.

Over time, the embankment has eroded and thus become unstable, which poses a risk to the trains that pass by.

Taziker, Network Rail‘s contractors, has installed a netting which will prevent this from happening.

As part of the work, four trees were marked for felling so that the netting could be installed. However, engineers worked around this and installed the netting without having to cut the trees down.

One tree had to be cut down due to shallow roots, and the risk of it falling onto the railway.

Fly-tipping on the embankment has made it a problem of pollution, and it has also become an eyesore.

Engineers also thanked NHS workers with a banner than was displayed whilst the work took place.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “We’re carrying out critical works to keep the rail network running safely for those who need to use trains to get to work and to keep freight trains moving essential supplies around the country. This work will prevent damage to the tracks and passing trains, reducing delays and cancellations of essential journeys.”

Follow-up works are still continuing, including renewal of the boundary fencing.

The work which has been completed includes:

• Installation of 2No crest compounds
• Installation of the main compound
• Install vortok fencing
• Vegetation management works to allow inspection and remediation of the slopes and installation of new boundary
• Removal of +600t of accumulated historic fly-tipped debris
• 6000m2 rockfall netting and erosion matting
• 400No rock anchors
• 300m new palisade boundary fence

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