Birse Rail received the Environmental Sustainability Award at Network Rail’s Partnership Awards for an emergency embankment stabilisation at Stoke Gifford, near Bristol.
The award recognises organisations that have displayed exemplary behaviour in making sure that environmental considerations have played an important part when undertaking projects on or near the railway.
The Stoke Gifford project was undertaken as part of Birse Rail’s Reactive Earthworks Framework within Network Rail’s Western Territory and involved works to a 500m section of track to prevent a temporary speed restriction being imposed. The sustainable design solution utilised unprecedented volumes of recycled ballast products. The works comprised moving large quantities of material to a site in the heart of a residential area; this posed numerous environmental challenges for the team including keeping noise to a minimum, controlling dust and air pollution, protecting the local biodiversity, waste management and minimising nuisance and disruption to local residents.
Network Rail’s Chief Executive, Iain Coucher commented: “All our shortlisted entrants should feel proud to have made it through an impressive pool of entries. Our finalists have made a real difference to Network Rail and the millions of people who travel by rail every day.”
Paul Copeland, Managing Director of Birse Rail said: “Our Reactive Earthworks team went to exceptional lengths to ensure the embankment stabilisation scheme at Stoke Gifford was delivered with minimal disruption to the local community and with the utmost care and consideration for the environment. We are delighted that Network Rail has recognised these efforts and are proud to receive this prestigious award.”
For further information please contact Suzanne Whalley on Tel: 01832 273443 or Mob: 07973 819906
Pictured: Andy Crowley (Contracts Manager), Lee Desmond (Project Manager) and Neil Henley (Senior Quantity Surveyor) collecting he award from Network Rail’s David Bailey (Non Executive Board Director) and host, Jimmy Carr.