What's all the work going on around Wick railway station?
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Few people walking around Wick riverside could have failed to notice the recent sights and sounds of heavy work going on nearby but what exactly has been happening around the railway station and surrounding area?
The main task of the project was to improve weather resilience with a drainage project to make the railway station better equipped to cope with severe weather thanks to a £650,000 investment by Network Rail. The work was completed yesterday (Thursday, July 8) according to schedule.
The project, delivered by contractor QTS, installed a new drainage system to help tackle flooding within the station, specifically on the railway sidings – the track section distinct from the main line.
A new separator tank has also been installed as part of the upgrade to filter out any contaminants, such as oil or diesel from the trains. A recent article in the paper showed site engineers fitting a drainage pipe and decontamination filter unit down a steep path at the riverside.
After the work was complete the team set about laying a new and much improved path on top of the pipework. QTS, who carried out the work on behalf of Network Rail, created the new drainage route down past the footpath to help minimise disruption to the playing fields and surrounding trees.
The overall project is part of a wider programme of works aimed at creating a greener railway while managing the impact of weather across the rail network, particularly on the Far North Line.
Mark Wilson, project manager at Network Rail, said: “We’re very pleased to have been able to make these vital improvements at Wick station.
“Our work means that the drainage system within the station, which has in the past faced flooding issues within the sidings, is now much better equipped to cope with the elements year-round.
“And our new separator tank, which can hold 53,000 litres of water, is designed to remove contaminants, so that any water reaching the river is clean.”
Mel Kay, operations manager for QTS said: “The people of Wick have been very welcoming to the team, so I am pleased that we have been able to do this work without disrupting any of the train services to and from the area.”
Related article:
Decontamination project at Wick railway station and riverside
