FlexMSE Case Study: Emergency Culvert Repair with HRS Rail
Client: HRS Rail
Project: White Notley Culvert Repair and Extension, Braintree, CM8 1RN
This project addressed an emergency repair and extension of a failed culvert that had been blocking a local farmer from accessing his land. The Client, Network Rail sought to replace the old blockwork headwall with a FlexMSE vegetated retaining wall system. This solution was chosen for its environmental benefits, ease of installation, and its ability to perform in all weather conditions, which minimised delays and aligned with tight schedules.
HRS Rail undertook this project to ensure the culvert was restored and extended promptly, addressing both practical and environmental concerns. The Flex MSE system was selected to replace the outdated infrastructure.
FlexMSE is a sustainable vegetated wall system designed to outlast its hardscape predecessors, including concrete and steel. Its simple geobag and interlocking plate facing adapts and moves with the land, enduring events that destroy traditional wall systems. And it can be installed in nearly half the time and cost of most other walls – with only 3% of the carbon. FlexMSE is the UK’s only BBA Certified vegetated retaining wall system with 120 year design life.
Joe Mitchell, HRS Project Manager says “FlexMSE is brilliant. We managed to get the job completed and signed off very quickly, and the land owner was very impressed and was so interested that they would possibly use this system in the future due to the speed and process of installing the FlexMSE product”
Scott Parnell’s Involvement
Scott Parnell played a pivotal role in the success of the project by supplying essential materials and services. Joe Mitchell, HRS Project Manager says “Scott Parnell had great knowledge and understood the project, and the design requirements. We had a fantastic, personal service from their sales team with a special mention to Ian Allwright and Lauren Lineham who were incredibly helpful”.
He continues “They have a great understanding and knowledge of products and very successful relationships with bigger clients and their supply chain which aids smaller companies like ours. This project had very tight timescales, so Scott Parnells input meant that they were on hand to enable supplier coordination, expedite material deliveries, and adapt to schedule changes. Their responsiveness and dedication ensured the project remained on track.”
Joe continues, “I would recommend Scott Parnell as their knowledge when discussing products and services is second to none. They always keep us updated on deliveries and timescales for requested materials. I appreciate the personal touch of having a specific contact I can trust to handle orders or resolve issues. Their service goes above and beyond—no order is too small, and they treat every request with importance. If they don’t have something, they work hard to source it for us.”
Scott Parnell holds the rail industry accreditation RISQS (Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme), which formally recognises the company as capable providers of products and services. To get in touch with one of our rail experts, please contact our Team on 0208 805 5797.