Trent Valley Four Tracking: Geoquest Enhances Rail Capacity
Network Rail’s £350 million Trent Valley Four Tracking project aimed to increase capacity on the West Coast Main Line by doubling tracks from two to four along a 12-mile stretch between Armitage with Handsacre and Tamworth. This initiative successfully removed a major bottleneck, improving efficiency on one of the UK’s busiest rail lines.
Geoquest was engaged early in the tender process to provide retaining wall solutions to support the additional rail tracks across three separate contracts. Geoquest’s reinforced soil technology was an ideal fit, offering exceptional vibration absorption and stability under cyclical loading – key requirements for railway infrastructure.
The project leveraged a modular precast panel facing system, enabling a streamlined supply process. Panels were manufactured and stockpiled as a compatible inventory, allowing seamless delivery to the three main contractors as needed.
In addition to designing and supplying the retaining walls, Geoquest provided on-site installation expertise and assisted in securing technical approvals for the structures. This collaboration ensured timely progress and adherence to stringent safety and engineering standards.
With nearly 50 years of experience in designing and delivering retaining walls for railway tracks, Geoquest’s contributions to the Trent Valley Four Tracking project highlight the company’s expertise in providing innovative and durable solutions for critical infrastructure projects.
Geoquest was able to meet the project’s demanding requirements whilst also underscoring their role in enhancing the resilience and capacity of the UK’s rail network.
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