Network Rail has released a time-lapse video of the work carried out to repair a landslip in Shropshire that caused the line to be closed for three weeks.
The line was closed on Friday, 8 March after a landslip from a 15-metre-high embankment between Oakengates and Wellington stations.
It was thought to have been caused by persistent heavy rainfall over the winter months, causing more than 5,000 tonnes of material to slip away from beneath a 50-metre section of the line.
Network Rail has released the video footage to show the scale of work undertaken with contractor Murphy to rebuild the line and make it safe for trains to once more pass safely along the embankment.
During the work, engineers worked around the clock to stop the landslip and stabilise the embankment.
That required the side of the embankment to be dug out to create a new profile for the slope to reduce its gradient, and cutting large steps that were backfilled with over 16,000 tonnes of stone to strengthen it.
Whilst the work was in progress, Network Rail worked closely with the relevant train operators to minimise disruption to passengers.
That included implementing a timetable and providing bus replacement services. Now that the work has been completed, a normal timetable has resumed just in time for Easter.
I want to say a huge thanks to passengers and the local community who've been disrupted over the last three weeks while we completed emergency repairs after prolonged heavy rain caused a significant landslip in Telford.
Our repairs have involved bringing over 16,000 tonnes of material from local quarries to shore up the Victorian-built embankment to make it safe for trains to resume in time for the Easter weekend.
We're pleased to say that this important route has reopened this morning and advise people travelling to check www.nationalrail.co.uk for journey information.
Adam Checkley, infrastructure director for Network Rail's Central route
I'd like to thank customers for their patience as Network Rail has been carrying out essential works to fix the landslip and it's good news that the railway can now reopen fully.
I would urge passengers to continue to check their journeys ahead of travelling on Friday, as we move trains to their correct location to resume a normal service.
Jonny Wiseman, West Midlands Railway customer experience director
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Network Rail and its partners for their swift and dedicated response in restoring the railway line between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury.
“Their tireless efforts not only ensured the timely repair of the embankment but also facilitated the provision of temporary bus services, allowing residents and passengers to seamlessly continue their journeys to and from Telford.
“We have been working hard to convene partners and coordinate efforts to minimise disruption, and this collaborative approach exemplifies our commitment to ensuring the safety and convenience of our community.
Councillor Shaun Davies, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council
And who have the locals got to thank for the disruption? Yes, you guessed it – the ones that decided it was better to deliver the stone by road!!! What a stupid country we live in.