TWO companies are teaming up to secure a greener future and improve rail links in the Ammanford area.

Network Rail and Natural Resources Wales have a partnership for a number of projects that are set to help combat climate change and improve rail links for passengers across Wales.

The organisations have a memorandum of understanding which reinforces the partnership working towards the common goal of driving environmental sustainability for the benefit of communities, creating a more resilient railway by being better prepared to combat nature and climate emergencies and promoting responsible practices across the route’s rail infrastructure.

The two companies have recently signed a renewed memorandum which happens every five years.

One of the many projects they are working on is the Ammanford flood alleviation scheme where Natural Resources Wales is tying their flood defence bund with a Network Rail structure.

They have also worked on remedial work following the 2020 derailment of a freight train in Llangennech. They worked together to remove more than 30,000 tonnes of fuel-soaked soil from under 150 metres of railway track, which prevented lasting environmental impact and protected the local landscape. The collaboration meant that public funds were used in the most effectual way possible.

Clare Pillman, Natural Resources Wales’ chief executive, said: “We are very pleased to be building on the collaborative partnership that already exists with Network Rail by signing this memorandum.

“When organisations work together, we can do more. So, this agreement means the environment and rail users all benefit.

“The state of natural resources report 2020 emphasised that different organisations need to collaborate to improve the resilience of our environment, particularly as we reimagine the transport system, and this partnership puts this principle into practice.”

Nick Millington, Network Rail’s Wales and Border route director, said: "By combining the expertise, knowledge and resources of our two organisations in this way, we’re able to work in a more time efficient, cost-effective, safe and sustainable way – creating a positive and lasting impact on the environment, whilst improving rail links for passengers.

“The importance of this collaboration has been demonstrated time and time again over the years, and we’re very pleased to be renewing our joint commitment to achieving a more sustainable and ecologically responsible approach to the way we work.”

They are also working on a number of other schemes including

  • Barmouth Viaduct renewal – Network Rail is carrying out significant renewal of the viaduct with NRW helping to ensure the works are completed without impacting the ecology of the Mawddach Estuary which is an SSSI.
  • Dovey junction structures renewal – Network Rail is renewing the bridge over the Dovey estuary and is minimising the impact on the ecologically sensitive area with input from NRW.
  • Stephenson Street in Newport – NRW is doing work on the four culverts under the railway, tying the flood defence bund into the railway embankment.
  • Black bridge track raising team in 2021 where Network Rail raised the structure higher in the floodplain so the Cambrian line has to close less frequently and passengers can complete their journeys in times of heavy rainfall.
  • Conwy Valley resilience scheme in 2019 where Network Rail worked with NRW to reactively assist in permitting and applications to build the railway back in a more resilient manner to prevent similar washouts in adverse weather.