Network Rail contract for Avondale in Wales

Chatham-based vegetation clearance and grounds maintenance company Avondale has started the year working in Wales.

The 6-week Network Rail project saw a team and specialist machinery undertake the huge task of clearing vegetation close to the railway track and signals.

Led by Chris Kisbee, the team of took Unimogs – machinery designed specifically to work safely and efficiently on railway tracks.

The contract involved making signals visible to train drivers and clearing vegetation to reduce the amount of autumn leaves on the lines which can cause delays and clog up drainage, leading to track floods.

Clearing vegetation also helps to stop problems on the railway network from arising, such as flooding due to drains blocked with fallen leaves, which can lead to passenger delays – and complaints from inconvenienced passengers.

Vital to the project was time management – working overnight and ensuring the tracks were clear and safe for the morning’s trains to run without delay.

Managing Director Danny Patel, said:

“It was a huge job but we were able to showcase our detailed project management and highly efficient machinery that’s been custom-built for the work we do. Particularly on railway, we are able to work quickly at the same high standard to clear vegetation and get off-track before the trains need to start in the morning.

“We are now in talks with Network Rail for other projects across the UK, so 2025 is looking very exciting indeed.” www.avondaleuk.com