Rock stabilisation works by the numbers

When it comes to safety, the CFL never cuts corners. A few days ago, our colleagues quite literally stirred up a lot of wind while securing the rock faces.

Along a section of almost 300 metres, the CFL, with the valuable support of its contractors, carried out extensive rock stabilisation works. The aim is to effectively prevent rock movement and potential rockfalls, where slate fragments could fall onto the railway tracks.

The CFL also received support from the air. Hovering around 20 metres above the treetops, the three-bladed helicopter played a key role in transporting the protective nets into place. Not long ago, the same aircraft was deployed in the High Fens nature reserve.

Rock stabilisation works by the numbers :

• 40 steel mesh nets were required to secure the 300-metre-long rock face.
• Each net weighs at least 150 kilograms.
• It took just 60 minutes to transport all nets into position by helicopter.
• The longest net installed measures 14 metres.
• A total of 200 boreholes/rock anchors were drilled and installed beforehand to secure the nets to the rock face.