CML were deployed under a two-hour emergency callout following a landslip near Penn Green Aqueduct in Corby, where debris had struck a passenger train. On arrival, the team found significant flooding that had caused the embankment to slip, submerging the track and compromising safe rail operations.
CML were tasked with stemming the flow of water to prevent further embankment movement. Our team carried out a coordinated series of emergency interventions, including:
Clearing the trash screen at the aqueduct to remove obstruction and restore flow capacity
Cleaning and clearing the culvert mouth beneath the access track to prevent further blockage
Undertaking targeted de-vegetation works to improve access and reduce flow impedance
Removing accumulated material and debris from the culvert entrance to allow water to move freely
Extracting a mattress lodged in the aqueduct trash screen which was contributing to water build-up
Installing temporary task lighting to maintain safe working conditions as darkness approached
Clearing overhanging vegetation to ensure a safe route for passenger evacuation teams
These measures rapidly reduced water levels, stabilised the surrounding area, and prevented further damage to the embankment and track formation.
Once flood levels subsided and safe access was established, CML supported Network Rail and emergency services in the controlled evacuation of 590 passengers from the stranded train. Our team ensured safe passage to waiting coaches, enabling passengers to continue their journeys with minimal disruption under challenging circumstances.
Rapid Incident Containment
Mobilisation within the two-hour window ensured swift control of water flow and prevented further embankment deterioration.
Restored Drainage Functionality
Clearing critical blockages reinstated effective water movement through the culvert and aqueduct, reducing flood levels quickly.
Enhanced Safety and Access
Vegetation clearance and task lighting supported safe working practices and enabled emergency teams to operate after dark.
Protection of Rail Assets
Early intervention stabilised the infrastructure, mitigating further washout risk and potential long-term repair costs.
Passenger Safety and Service Continuity
Assisting in the safe evacuation of 590 passengers maintained safety standards and aided onward travel under emergency conditions.
Following the emergency response, permanent remedial works were planned to stabilise the site and prevent future incidents. The approach began with the extension of a temporary crest bund to prevent overtopping, alongside the removal and safe disposal of all debris from the aqueduct and culvert. The north-side watercourse bank was cleared of approximately 25 tonnes of material to reduce the risk of water build-up, and the void in the cutting slope was reinstated with Type 6C or equivalent graded fill to restore embankment integrity.
Further works included the full clearance of the trash screen to ensure unrestricted water flow and the installation of a 51m-long, 5m-deep sheet pile cut-off barrier with a concrete pile cap, designed to act as a cut-off rather than a cantilever wall. Boundary fencing was reinstated, and a full topographical and LiDAR survey of the slope, ponds, and weirs was conducted to inform design verification and monitoring. The final detailed design for the sheet pile solution was developed in collaboration with Pell Frischmann to ensure structural suitability and long-term stability.
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