This in from the Stagecoach Group. In their own words. Ed
The line is now closed between Ryde St Johns Road and Shanklin so permanent repairs can be made to stabilise the embankment at Sandown. A rail replacement bus service is in place during these works.
State of sewers revealed
Whilst in the design stage, it was noted that the state of the sewer pipes, directly beneath the railway were in a very fragile state. It was agreed that these would need to be replaced before the work to repair the railway and the embankment could go ahead.
Once the sewer is complete, work will begin to install two high level steel retaining walls, one at the base of the bank and a second at the top of the bank.
To help prevent a build-up of water behind the retaining walls, weep holes and drainage will be dug. The walls will help to protect the track and local properties from further weather related damage.
Work completed so far
During the first two weeks we have:
- Cleared vegetation on the embankment, accompanied by an ecologist carrying out an ecology survey
- Excavated the existing sewer pipe and constructed new manholes allowing easy access when needed. This was a slow process due to the fragile nature of the existing old pipes
- Removed conductor rail and installed drainage
- Taken delivery of piling (large steel poles that will be inserted into the ground to support the new walls).
In the next couple of weeks we will:
- Finish replacing the new sewer
- Place the piling for the lower wall
- Prepare for the installation of the upper wall.
