July 2025

Legato® Blocks Deliver Robust Solution for Severn Valley Railway

A devastating landslip at the end of January brought the historic Severn Valley Railway (SVR) to a standstill, threatening the future of the beloved heritage line and causing significant disruption to between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade stations.

Thanks to a rapid and innovative response, from contractors CML installing Elite Precast’s Legato® interlocking blocks, the railway is now on track for a full reopening – just in time for the eagerly anticipated visit of the Flying Scotsman.

A Heritage Line Faces a Modern Challenge
The SVR, which has connected Kidderminster in Worcester to Bridgnorth in Shropshire for over 160 years, faced one of it greatest challenges when a freak accident – a fallen tree – damaged a bridge wing wall, allowing water ingress and triggering a major embankment collapse.

The incident halted train services and threatened the local economy, particularly in Bridgnorth, which relies heavily on railway tourism.

Antony Bartlam, SVR’s structural engineer and project manager, described the event as “a complete freak accident,” nothing, “That embankment and the wing wall have been there for 160-odd years, and nothing has happened to it.”

The repair project, managed by specialist contractors CML, required a robust, rapid and cost-effective solution that could meet the demands of a heritage railway and comply with stringent environmental regulations.

Enter Elite Precast Concrete’s Legato® interlocking blocks – a modular, heavy-duty solution, ideal for large-scale retaining walls embankment repairs.

Over 100 Legato ®blocks were delivered to sire and expertly installed on newly poured footings. Their interlocking design provided immediate stability and strength, forming the backbone of the new embankment structure.

“Legato® blocks were the perfect choice for this project, “said Stuart Hale, CML’s Contracts Manager. “Their size, weight and interlocking capability allowed us to build a solid, permanent wall quickly and efficiently – crucial for getting the railway back on track without compromising on safety or quality.

Sustainable, Safe and Future-Proof
The project was not without its challenges. Extensive ecological surveys were required to protect local wildlife, including otters and crayfish, and temporary culverting of the Mor Brook was implemented to allow safe access for heavy machinery. The modular nature of the Legato blocks allowed for precise installation even in these sensitive conditions, minimising environmental impact and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Ready for the Future
To celebrate the re-opening of the completed line, the first train to cross the restored line is the iconic Flying Scotsman – a fitting celebration for a railway that has overcome adversity through innovation and community support.

Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, SVR’s Managing Director, praised the work: “It’s so satisfying to see real progress and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to a fully reunited Severn Valley Railway.”