The importance of drainage and earthworks management was recently underlined by the initial investigation into the Shap derailment in November.
Image of derailed train – By Nodrog
© Naylor
Fortunately the derailment of a passenger train, which happened on 3 November (2025) after the train hit a landslip at more than 80mph, resulted in only minor injuries for four people in addition to damage to the train and rail infrastructure. However, the initial findings of Rail Accident Investigation Branch (Raib) state that the primary cause of the slip, described as “shallow” by the British Geological Society, was the failure of a drainage channel to deal with the volumes of water generated by a period of heavy and sustained rainfall.
With extreme rainfall events in the UK becoming increasingly common and the intensity of downpours predicted to increase by between 5 and 15% per degree °C of regional warming, the need to future proof drainage systems across the rail network is a critical factor as the UK seeks to upgrade its aging network infrastructure.
Manufacturing drainage solutions for more than a century and offering a comprehensive range of drainage, storm water management and duct solutions, Naylor is well placed to support the rail sector.
The company’s products meet the rigorous performance requirements of the rail industry including those once required for PADS approval while its considerable experience and expertise in drainage and water management solutions makes Naylor the drainage provider of choice for a wide range of civil infrastructure applications and sectors.
For more information, visit www.naylor.co.uk or call Naylor on 0330 056 3355.
This article was originally written by Naylor.