Network Rail has announced a newly developed sleeper to support their tracks, which provide ‘environmental benefits’
Network Rail Wales and Western region have announced that they have worked with the Technical Authority to create hedgehog sleepers.
So-called as they resemble hedgehogs nesting, the sleepers are more environmentally friendly than other sleepers currently in use.
Carbon emissions will be reduced
The key environmental benefit to these hedgehog sleepers is in their carbon content.
Network Rail’s hedgehog sleepers contain 90% less carbon than wooden sleepers, and 78% less than concrete sleepers.
The work has been put into ensuring that these sleepers create fewer carbon emissions in creation, and will be more resilient to climate change. As Network Rail installs around 350,000 concrete sleepers per year, this could save 4.5m kilograms of carbon dioxide per year, or the equivalent of taking 12,250 family cars off the road.
Network Rail comments on the hedgehog sleepers
The programme engineering manager at Network Rail, Nick Matthews, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with Lankhorst Engineered Products to develop a new type of sleeper technology that will significantly reduce the carbon impact of the railways.
“Previously, sleepers were either made from hardwood or concrete. The raw material for wooden sleepers comes from South American rainforests, which can result in damage to habitats, a reduction in biodiversity, and decreased carbon absorption from rainforests. Producing concrete can also have a damaging impact on the environment and increased carbon emissions.
“We demonstrated the hedgehog sleeper at this year’s Rail Live event in June in the Network Rail village and the attendees were as excited as we are about a new product with excellent practical value as well as environmental benefits.”
Lankhorst Engineered’s technical director, Aran van Belkom, said: “This project is a good fit with our purpose: think limitless, act sustainable for future generations. We appreciate Network Rail’s engagement to set a new industrial standard.”
Network Rail hopes that the hedgehog sleeper will help them achieve their net zero target by 2050.
