Brett receive first rail deliveries from HS2
Spoil from high-speed rail project being used to create enhanced wetland habitat at Cliffe in Kent
THE first of many rail deliveries was received by Brett Aggregates’ operation in Cliffe, Kent, during December 2022, as part of a three-year contract which will see two trains per day arrive at the site from early 2023.
Up to 2 million tonnes of spoil, primarily in the form of London Clay from HS2 station excavations and tunnelling works for the new high-speed rail network, will be delivered to the site.
Project manager Stuart Wood and the team at Cliffe have prepared the site to receive and handle the HS2 material by rail, including upgrading the rail sidings, removing old cement silos, relocating existing workshops, and installing a new flood gate in a sea-defence wall.
‘There are significant environmental benefits in transporting the material by rail,’ said Mr Wood. ‘Rail freight generates over 75% less CO2 and 90% fewer particulate emissions than the corresponding road journey, and therefore delivers a significant reduction in emissions overall.’
The imported material will be used to create an enhanced wetland habitat of international importance for wading birds and wildlife at Cliffe. The scheme has been developed in partnership with the RSPB and will form part of the wider Cliffe Pools reserve.
