Wylam Embankment
Works were carried out to stabilise and protect the railway between Newcastle and Carlisle and reinstate the Keelman’s Way footpath at Wylam, through riverbank remediation, rock armour installation and embankment regrading to prevent ongoing erosion from the River Tyne.
Network Rail
£2.7m
The project delivered a 160m long reinforced fill riverbank, constructed through three integrated phases to stabilise the River Tyne, protect the railway embankment and reinstate Keelman’s Way.
Enabling works established safe access from a remote compound location, including temporary trackway and an engineered access ramp to the riverbank. In‑channel works involved placing rock armour to infill scour holes and prevent future erosion,
with works carefully timed around low river levels to protect fish migration. GPS‑enabled plant and bathymetric surveys were used to ensure accuracy and quality.
Upper slope works regraded the embankment using reinforced and unreinforced earthworks to form a stable formation above tidal influence. The scheme was completed with a new tarmac footpath and permanent fencing, restoring safe public access while providing a resilient, long‑term asset solution.
Early contractor involvement was central to achieving a balanced solution that met engineering, environmental and operational requirements. Detailed understanding of ground conditions and river behaviour, informed by bathymetric surveys and ground investigations, enabled the team to assess viable options and select a reinforced earth design over a more intrusive piled alternative.
Although the chosen solution required significant material
movement, carbon modelling demonstrated an 86% reduction in embodied carbon from material production compared with steel and concrete options, while also reducing construction cost.
Ecological enhancement was embedded within the design through the use of brushwood bundles, live willow faggots and pre‑planted coir matting, restoring habitats lost during flooding and improving biodiversity along the river edge.
Story worked in close collaboration with Network Rail, designer Mott MacDonald and a wide range of stakeholders including the Environment Agency, local authorities, statutory bodies, businesses and residents. Regular design and planning sessions enabled early identification and mitigation of risks, alignment on approvals and clear forecasting of cost and programme impacts.
Strong community engagement was a key feature of delivery, with
early consultation helping to explain environmental constraints and build understanding around programme timings. Careful coordination of works, sensitive in‑river programming and robust safety controls ensured the project was delivered smoothly, safely and with minimal disruption — protecting a vital rail corridor while restoring a valued community asset and enhancing the natural environment.
160m
length of riverbank
stabilised
3
integrated phases
of delivery
86%
reduction in CO2e
This important investment will protect the railway, making sure it can keep trains running safely and reliably for future years.
We’re pleased to be working with local stakeholders and environmental experts to deliver this intricate project. The work will also mean this section of Keelman's Way Footpath can reopen, which we know will be well used by the community.Jonny Ham, Lead Portfolio Manager
Network Rail