Road rail vehicle removes material from base of slope and replaces with granular material behind sheet piling

Islandline: Work on slopes reveals other slips

This in on behalf of Islandline. Ed


We have received positive feedback about the bus replacement service from customers who
have recognised the benefit of the additional bus options available via Southern Vectis
No 2 & No 3 services, alongside the hourly replacement buses.

The train shuttle is also working effectively, providing timely links with Wightlink and Hovertravel throughout the day.

Thanks to all our customers who have provided feedback, allowing us to make changes and
provide an improved service for all.

Making slope more stable
Under the supervision of an Engineering Geologist, we have been digging steps into the bank, a technique called benching, to help make the slope more stable.

Whilst removing the soil we discovered other areas where the land has slipped, meaning that we have had to excavate deeper than planned to reach the stable ground underneath.

Although this has caused us a delay, we are still on track to complete the repairs within the ten weeks.

Work carried out
During the last two weeks we have:

  • Finished replacing the sewer
  • Completed excavations, started benching and started to fill the slope with new
    granular fill
  • Installed material at the base of the slope to support the steel retaining wall
  • The first of two supporting walls has been inserted at the base of the slope providing protection against future landslips.

Over the next fortnight we will:

  • Finish the benching work
  • Insert material to the top of the piling sheets
  • Insert drainage pipes under the lower wall to help prevent flooding.

Click on image to see larger version
Deeper benches dug
Deeper benches have been dug to help stabilise the slope and protect it against further landslips