Landslip in Sonning Cutting

[Thames99]

Above are some photos taken this morning of work on the northern side of the line where undergrowth was cleared recently (photo on post no 53).

Is this morning's landslip related to this or elsewhere? I can imagine lines could have been closed as a precaution in case the ballast being dropped by the diggers to create access slid onto the tracks. Looking at google maps the site access appears to be through someone's garden.

There was no work in progress on the south side by Wenzels and the car park today, although it doesn't look finished there.

 

[Thames99]

Another update on the landslip sites in Sonning Cutting. Work is still going on on both sides. To the south by Wenzels the road is narrowed as before and earth is still being brought up to the layby to be disposed of. Opposite on the north side the profile has been stepped.

 

[Benjwri]

Apologies for the poor photo from a passing train. Appears they have totally rebuilt the cutting in the area, and have now almost reached completion of at least that stage.

 

[Thames99]

Inspired by Benjwri, I've been back this afternoon to try to take some photos. On the south side where the original landslip happened the ground is covered in ballast as shown in the image above. The trees around are growing and in full leaf and it is getting more difficult to take clear photos from the bridge.



On the north side, the site of the later slip, the ground has been terraced in steps. Some sheet piles have been driven in towards the bottom and there is a gabion wall built near the line to the right of the photo near the bridge piers. Are the series of slots in the earth towards the right for drainage?

 

[3973EXL]

10/07/24

Down Side


Up Side

 

[Beebman]

I've just driven past the site on the A4 at Shepherds Hill - both lanes on the road have now reopened (the left-hand one was still closed when I drove past on Thursday) and although the car park was still closed there was noticeably less equipment in it so it looks like work might be heading towards a conclusion.

 

[Thames99]

Here are two photos taken yesterday and as Beebman suggested work has now been completed on the south side and the car park by Wenzel's has been reinstated. Looking down the slope of the cutting, earth has been left at the top with the stone starting a few metres down.

It also looks well advanced on the north side and if earth is left at the top in a similar way they will soon be finished there as well.

 

[AndyPJG]

@Thames99, Thank You for your time and effort in posting those very informative photos.

Are the series of slots in the earth towards the right for drainage?

I believe so, looks like 'french' drains to lower the water table in the cutting slops.

 

[Thames99]

Thanks Andy, it's no great problem as I live nearby and pass by the area every now and then. It's been interesting seeing the progress.