Network Rail has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding with Natural Resource Wales that commits both organisations to work together to drive environmental sustainability for the benefit of communities, create a more resilient railway by being better prepared to combat nature and climate emergencies and promote responsible practices across the route’s rail infrastructure.
The agreement is normally renewed every five years, reinforcing a partnership that has already seen the two organisations work together on a number of coastal and river schemes to reduce flood risk, protect habitats, manage land, and improve project planning.
For example, the partnership worked together to remove more than 30,000 tonnes of fuel-soaked soil following the derailment of a freight train at Llangennech, in Carmarthenshire, in August 2020. Their prompt action prevented lasting environmental impact and protected the local landscape and ensured that public funds were used in the most effective way possible.
Other schemes the two organisations have worked on together include:
- Barmouth viaduct renewal (current) – Network Rail is undertaking a significant renewal to the listed structure over the Mawddach estuary. The two organisations have worked collaboratively to ensure the required works to the viaduct are completed without adversely impacting the delicate ecology of the Mawddach Estuary which is a site of special scientific interest.
- Dovey junction structures renewal (current) – Network Rail is delivering a bridge renewal which spans the Dovey estuary and, working with Natural Resources Wales, has developed a satisfactory methodology to minimise the impact on what is an ecologically sensitive area.
- Stephenson street (current) – Natural Resources Wales is doing work on four culverts under the railway in Newport – tying their flood defence bund into the railway embankment.
- Ammanford flood alleviation scheme (current) – Natural Resources Wales is tying in their flood defence bund with a Network Rail structure.
- Black bridge track raising scheme (2021) – Network Rail raised the structure further above the floodplain, improving the resilience of the Cambrian line in times of heavy rainfall.
- Conwy valley resilience scheme (2019) – Network Rail worked closely with Natural Resources Wales to rebuild the railway in a more resilient manner that will prevent similar washouts in adverse weather events.
On signing the new Memorandum of Understanding, Natural Resources Wales chief executive Clare Pillman said: “We are very pleased to be building on the collaborative partnership that already exists with Network Rail by signing this memorandum.
“When organisations work together, we can do more, so this agreement means the environment and rail users all benefit.
“The State of Natural Resources Report 2020 emphasised that different organisations need to collaborate to improve the resilience of our environment, particularly as we reimagine the transport system, and this partnership puts this principle into practice.”
Nick Millington, route director for Wales and the Border at Network Rail, said: “By combining the expertise, knowledge, and resources of our two organisations in this way, we’re able to work in a more time efficient, cost-effective, safe and sustainable way – creating a positive and lasting impact on the environment, whilst improving rail links for passengers.
“The importance of this collaboration has been demonstrated time and time again over the years, and we’re very pleased to be renewing our joint commitment to achieving a more sustainable and ecologically responsible approach to the way we work.”
Network Rail and Natural Resources Wales will be developing an annual intentions plan to drive the collaboration forward.
Be the first to comment