Train services on the line between Guildford, Aldershot and Wokingham resumed this week following work by Network Rail on a landslip that occurred after Christmas.

Heavy rain from Storm Bella caused problems with the railway embankment, causing a 40-metre long landslip, and the line was closed for safety reasons.

Rail replacement buses were in operations whilst the work was carried out.

The embankment near Westwood Lane bridge, close to Wanborough, was repaired by sinking 17-metre long steel sheets into the ground.

This steel wall will stop the earth from moving any further

Mark Killick, route director, Network Rail Wessex said: “Our engineers have worked tirelessly to carry out these essential repairs, and I want to thank everyone involved for their efforts and to passengers and local residents for their patience and understanding.

“The emergency work is now complete and the line has reopened for critical workers, however our team will stay on site to deliver the remaining activity and ensure the embankment is secure for years to come.”

Derek Butcher, Network Rail Southern region’s route asset manager for geotechnics, said: “London Clay is not a material we would build railways out of these days, but our Victorian ancestors weren’t so advanced with their knowledge of soil mechanics. At this location the embankment had absorbed so much water over December, it moved out from underneath the track, leaving the railway unsupported.”

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