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VolkerRail reconnects Horton Quarry to Settle-Carlisle line, boosting sustainability
VolkerRail reinstates Horton Quarry rail link with Settle-Carlisle line, installing 120m track, signalling, and infrastructure to boost sustainable transport.
www.volkerrail.co.uk
In a move towards sustainable transportation, Horton Quarry, located near Horton-in-Ribblesdale in North Yorkshire, is set to reconnect with the Settle to Carlisle railway line, following the reinstatement of a former rail connection by VolkerRail.
Horton Quarry, owned by Heidelberg Materials UK, has been a cornerstone of the Yorkshire Dales National Park since 1889, producing limestone and high-quality gritstone for road and runway surfacing.
VolkerRail has been working to reinstate the line, being rebuilt just south of Horton-in-Ribblesdale station on a former rail siding removed in the 1960s, since February 2024, when early design work began.
Last month, the project completed its biggest milestone, as VolkerRail installed 120 metres of plain line track and a right-hand turnout, along with associated signalling, power, minor civils and telecom works. This included the installation of:
- Four set of points - two powered points on Network Rail infrastructure and two hand points in the quarry
- Location cases
- Two track circuits
- A new ground frame switch panel and ground frame telephone
- A points heating control cubical
- A new points heating system
- A new 230/110V signalling transformer.
VolkerRail also extended the axle counter section and completed all associated points heating works and associated changes to settle junction signal box panel, as well as all testing and commissioning work.
Throughout the project, VolkerRail utilised key rail plant machines including its Kirow 250 crane, Beaver tamper and its new T8000 tracked Colmar excavators.
Becky Murphy, aggregates regional director at Heidelberg Materials UK, said: “The reopening of this connection is part of our strategy to improve our network of rail-connected quarries and depots.
“It will allow us to supply high-quality aggregate to major construction projects by rail, reducing vehicle movements on the wider road network and cutting associated CO₂ emissions.”
Niall McCreanor, VolkerRail’s director of specialist businesses, said: “This project showcases VolkerRail Specialist Businesses. Utilising the in-house expertise and end-to-end project delivery experience available through our railway systems specialisms; a brilliant example of collaboration and synchronicity, enabling efficient delivery to ensure a high-quality result.”
www.volkerrail.com
