Parsons Tunnel Rockfall Shelter

Engineering innovation transforms the South West’s vital coastal railway with a future-ready rockfall protection solution to safeguard the tracks for future generations.  

Project overview

Parsons Tunnel North Portal (PTNP) Rockfall Shelter project was a key part of the South West Rail Resilience Programme, to preserve Brunel’s iconic rail line that connects Devon and Cornwall to the rest of the UK. The £42 million project used state-of-the-art engineering and methodology to overcome the rugged terrain of the steep cliff, rail tunnels, and the sea. 

The project involved constructing a 100-metre precast concrete shelter to protect the trains from any falling rocks. To do this safely and efficiently, the team used a pioneering rail-mounted gantry crane to install the 22-tonne shelter safely over the live railway.  

Over 1,400 soil nails were installed to stabilise the 30-metre cliffs above, with all works conducted in tightly scheduled possessions to keep the railway operational.  

The project achieved an exemplary health and safety record, as the superstructure works were all completed without a single case of harm.  

Commitment to climate resilience and sustainability were at the heart of this project. The team successfully implemented carbon reduction assessment measures, and demonstrated environmentally sustainable practices throughout, which achieved a biodiversity net-gain target of +10%. To achieve this, they reduced concrete use by 32% and used low-carbon materials in the cliff stabilisation. 

The result is a resilient, sustainable asset protecting a vital transport corridor. This project has been nominated for and won multiple industry awards, highlighting cutting-edge engineering, environmental commitment and exceptional delivery.