Securing Edenbridge cutting: Slope stabilisation for long tern rail resilience

How we helped our customer

The Edenbridge Cutting project addressed a critical section of the Kent–Sussex rail corridor that had suffered repeated landslips, most recently in March 2024. With ongoing risks to stability and the need for a long-term solution, DYWIDAG delivered a robust slope stabilisation scheme using a combination of DYWIDAG DYWI Drill hollow bar soil nails and DYWIDAG HTH high-tensile mesh.

Our technical solution was tailored for the site, enabling rapid installation within a tight nine-day closure and integrating seamlessly with other essential rail upgrades. The approach provided Network Rail with future-proofed infrastructure, dramatically reduced maintenance needs, and ensured safe, reliable service for passengers.

Project wins

• Embankment stabilisation: Consolidated embankment stabilisation, power renewal, and track works into a single nine-day rail closure, minimising service interruption.

• Technical support: Provided full technical support and product oversight, ensuring the system met rigorous Network Rail standards.

• Collaboration: Collaborative project delivery between suppliers, contractors, and engineering stakeholders.

• Products: 226no DYWIDAG Hollow bar, 14m lengths | 150sqm DYWIDAG HTH High-tensile hex mesh.

The Challenge

The Edenbridge Cutting had a legacy of instability, with major landslips in March 2024 and previously in 2019. These failures repeatedly disrupted rail services along the Kent–Sussex corridor, highlighting the need for a proactive, future-proof solution—not just reactive repairs. The area’s geotechnical complexity and the corridor’s significance meant both safety and reliability were paramount.

The Solution

Working closely with Network Rail and their partners, DYWIDAG supplied hollow bars and High Tensile Hex Mesh—a robust alternative to originally specified materials.

The team provided technical consultation, adapting to evolving on-site needs and ensuring integration with other renewal works. By packaging slope stabilisation with power and track renewal, the project achieved impactful outcomes within a compressed nine-day blockade.

The Result

The completed works have fortified the Edenbridge Cutting, delivering durable support designed for a 120-year lifespan. The new installation drastically reduces ongoing maintenance costs and risk of disruption, enhancing service reliability for thousands of daily rail users.