Network Rail joins ADA

ADA is pleased to welcome Network Rail as new National Agency members.

With around 1,400km of railway currently run through internal drainage districts, and as a public body, Network Rail are increasingly interested in building efficient ways of maintaining the assets and systems of the rail network. Through their membership, ADA looks forward to assisting Network Rail across all its routes to develop and grow public sector collaborations with Internal Drainage Boards and other risk management authorities to help drive good cost effective maintenance.

In North Somerset the flood risk and drainage team led by Mark Howells on Network Rail’s Western Route are working closely with North Somerset Levels IDB to manage and maintain watercourses and culverts of mutual interest. This has already shown the benefits of collaboration, providing cost savings to the public purse, and building relationships and trust between the organisations. Whilst respecting the stringent nature of working practices around a live railway line remains essential, there are many instances where Network Rail needs to carry out works outside of those boundaries to manage and maintain ditches and culverts.

You can find out more about how flooding on the railway causes delays and the steps Network Rail are taking to reduce it on the Network Rail website.

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