CP5 and CP6 Rail Line Mallaig, Scotland

Minova supported the Mallaig rail line with rockfall netting, bolts and resin systems, reducing geotechnical risk and keeping Scotland’s iconic route safe.

Sector / Application

Infrastructure, Slope Stabilisation & Embankments

Overview

The ‘West Highland Mallaig Line’ is a single, 41 mile stretch of track linking Fort William with Mallaig and has featured in many of the Harry Potter film series, including the Glenfinnan viaduct. The route was also voted as “best line” for scenery by readers of Wanderlust magazine for its views of some of Scotland’s finest lochs and mountains.

While the line is rural, the remote nature of the section means that geotechnical incidents such as rockfalls, soil failures and toppling of trees can result in significant disruption. QTS Group were awarded the contract to provide geotechnical solutions to reduce the risk to the line posed by these assets, particularly during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall.

Solution

Minova provided a ‘one stop shop’ of support products to secure the exposed rock faces, including passive rockfall netting and accessories, galvanised ATB rock bolts, Lokset resin capsules and technical back up. The rapid set and strength gain of the Lokset Resin Capsules allowed use in time‑critical and early support applications, including possession restraints on open rail lines.The ATB rock bolt was made from 500N/mm² steel with a hot‑rolled continuous thread, ideal for installing into Lokset resin capsules for optimum mixing and full encapsulation. The netting was hung from a secure crest rope and contoured back to the rock face with rock bolts and plates to contain debris. The first sites on the Mallaig line had been delivered on time, inspected and signed off. With various other locations due to begin shortly, the collaboration between Minova and QTS ensured the success continued throughout CP6.