CML is currently delivering emergency stabilisation works to two cutting slopes at Hemsworth and Santingley Lane, helping to improve long-term resilience and maintain safe operation of the railway. DOL1 connects Doncaster Marshgate Junction to the Wakefield area, forming a key section of the rail route and supporting vital passenger and freight services across the region.
At Hemsworth, the scheme has been divided into three 25-metre sections. Section 1 has now been successfully completed, including installation of a Legato block gravity retaining wall, benching and regrading the cutting slope above. The slope is finished with the placement of Class 6G stone, providing a clean, free-draining layer to support long-term slope stability.
The retaining wall is being delivered in controlled 5-metre bays to maintain stability of the excavations throughout the process. Each bay is sequenced through excavation of the shear key foundation, installation of a clean stone layer, and placement of no-fines concrete to provide structural support while maintaining permeability. Legato blocks are then installed, with a perforated drainage pipe positioned behind the wall to allow water to move freely and prevent build-up of hydrostatic pressure.
Our long-reach excavator has played a key role in delivering the stabilisation works, leading the lifting and placement of Legato blocks to the base of the cutting, as well as the removal of excavated material generated by smaller machines working at the toe of the slope, excavating and installing the shear key for the retaining wall. The long-reach machine has also been used to excavate benching works on the cutting slope, formed in controlled 500mm lifts to maintain stability throughout the process.
Once the benches were prepared, the long-reach excavator placed Class 6A rock fill onto each section over a geotextile separator, which was installed by rope access operatives. The rock fill is secured in place on the benched slope, re-graded to a reduced slope angle above the new retaining wall providing enhanced long-term stability.
At Santingley Lane, the second emergency stabilisation site, a design change was implemented following the discovery of sandstone outcrops at the toe of the cutting where the Legato blocks were originally planned to be installed. As a result, the revised solution will include a concrete plinth, with a two-high Legato wall constructed on top, rather than a three-block-high wall.
The wall will be built using the same controlled 5-metre bay methodology as Hemsworth to maintain the temporary stability of the slope during construction. The Santingley Lane cutting is shorter in length, with a 33-metre slip and a narrow cess. An ALO working arrangement is in place to ensure the lines remain open while the works progress.
In April, CML hosted a Cross Contractor Site visit including framework industry colleagues from QTS, AMCO and CK Rail.
The site visit was lead by Andy McCann, Jae Priest and Kevin Otter who gave a site walkthrough and explanation of the programme of works.
Aaron Blakemore, CML Contracts Manager commented:
“A massive well done for today, the presentation, site inductions, knowledge and engagement with the attendees was exceptional. We obtained some great feedback on the visit from both Network Rail Works Delivery and the other contractors on the framework, so be proud of the work you have put in to make today a success. Thank you”.
Once each section is complete, stabilisation works continue following the same pprocess; benching and regrading the cutting slope, followed by the placement of Class 6G fill to complete the section. Works across the remaining sections is progressing well, with excavations, foundation preparation and retaining wall construction well underway. The project is currently around 40% complete and continues to progress safely and in line with the programme.
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