Protecting Dover’s railway when the coastline gave way
Project overview
When a violent storm struck the coastline between Dover and Folkestone and caused 250 metres of railway track to collapse, urgent action was needed.
With a critical transport route compromised and the sea continuing to apply pressure, the response needed to be immediate and built to last.
Partnering with Costain, we were brought in to deliver essential coastal engineering and rock armour protection works, stabilising the coastline and helping restore a vital piece of infrastructure.
Project overview
Delivered over 28 weeks, this £2.2 million scheme focused on reinstating coastal protection along a highly exposed stretch of railway.
Emergency works were first required to stabilise the damaged sea wall, allowing further investigations to be carried out safely. From there, permanent solutions were implemented to rebuild and strengthen the defences against future storm events.
The project formed part of a wider programme to reinstate the collapsed railway, including rebuilding the sea wall and installing new structural support for the track.
The full works
We constructed a robust rock armour revetment to protect the sea wall and railway from ongoing coastal erosion. Working in a challenging marine environment, we placed over 129,000 tonnes of rock, which included filter layers and multiple sizes of armour stone to create a durable, long-term coastal defence.
The works were delivered alongside sheet piling to stabilise the existing sea wall during early stages, ensuring safe conditions for the wider reconstruction programme. As part of the permanent solution, a 250-metre section of sea wall was rebuilt, with a further 500 metres strengthened with new rock armour protection.
The Dover scheme in numbers
- 19,000 tonnes – 300–1000kg filter material
- 5,800 tonnes – 1–3 tonne rock armour
- 36,000 tonnes – 3–6 tonne rock armour
- 69,000 tonnes – 6–8 tonne rock armour
We are the UK’s trusted partner to deliver complex coastal engineering works under pressure, protecting infrastructure and communities when it matters most.
to restore vital infrastructure
Delivering works along an active and exposed coastal railway required careful coordination and rapid response. The team worked within tight timeframes to stabilise the site following storm damage, ensuring the area was safe for further construction activities. Round-the-clock operations were critical to maintaining programme momentum, particularly as permanent works progressed to reinstate the railway on a new reinforced concrete slab supported by deep piles. Despite the complexity and urgency, the works were delivered safely and efficiently, helping restore a vital transport link.
of rock armour
This project highlights the importance of resilient coastal protection in safeguarding critical infrastructure. By combining engineered rock armour with structural reinforcement, the scheme provides long-term defence against wave action and erosion along this vulnerable stretch of coastline.
of sea wall
As part of the permanent solution, a 250-metre section of sea wall was rebuilt, with a further 500 metres strengthened with new rock armour protection.
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