Fencing
Fencing Installation
Howgill Burn, Annan
KLR Rail was appointed to deliver a full stockproof fencing installation along a live railway boundary at Howgill Burn. The project involved 340 metres of stockproof fencing and the installation of a 7ft field gate to provide secure site access.
Working in close proximity to an active railway line, all works were planned and executed in strict accordance with railway safety protocols, environmental compliance standards, and KLR’s established health and safety procedures. The project was completed to a high standard, with full inspection and site reinstatement carried out before handover.
Scope of Works
Phase 1 – Site Preparation & Groundworks
Phase 1 covered all pre-work planning, site establishment, and post hole preparation required before fencing installation could begin:
- Detailed site survey to identify underground services, wildlife, and environmental hazards
- Marking of the existing fence line and railway boundary
- Obtaining all necessary permits and trackside work authorisations
- Preparation of method statements and risk assessments
- Establishment of exclusion zones and warning signage in proximity to the railway
- Marking of post positions along the full 340-metre fence line
- Excavation of post holes using manual and mechanical methods
- Ground preparation and site tidying to maintain safe access throughout
All excavation was carried out following underground service surveys, with precautions in place for uneven ground, manual handling, and working in a live railway environment.
Phase 2 — Installation & Completion
With groundworks complete, Phase 2 focused on full post and fencing installation, gate fitting, and site reinstatement:
- Positioning and installation of fence posts using team lifts and mechanical aids
- Vertical alignment checks and compaction of backfill around each post
- Fixing of stockproof fencing panels and wires to posts using appropriate fasteners
- Careful tensioning of wires to maintain fence integrity and alignment along the full boundary
- Installation of a 7ft field gate for controlled site access
- Full fence line inspection covering alignment, tension, and structural stability
- Removal of all debris, tools, and temporary signage
- Safe disposal of hazardous materials
- Reinstatement of disturbed ground and vegetation
Challenges and Solutions
Live Railway Environment
Working along an active railway boundary required strict adherence to trackside safety protocols throughout. KLR secured all necessary permits and work authorisations in advance, with operatives receiving full railway safety briefings before work commenced. Exclusion zones were established and maintained for the duration of the project.
Underground Service Risk
Prior to any excavation, a full underground service survey was conducted to identify and map existing services along the fence line. Safe digging practices were followed throughout, eliminating risk to operatives and infrastructure.
Ground Conditions
Uneven and potentially challenging terrain along the burn boundary required careful management of post hole excavation and post positioning. Manual handling controls were in place throughout, with mechanical aids used wherever practicable to reduce operative risk.
Environmental Sensitivity
The proximity of Howgill Burn required careful management of ground disturbance, waste disposal, and site reinstatement. All hazardous materials were disposed of safely, and disturbed ground and vegetation were reinstated on completion.
Outcome
The full 340-metre stockproof fence line and 7ft field gate were installed, inspected, and handed over to the required standard. The railway boundary is now fully secured, with safe gated access in place. All works were delivered in compliance with railway safety requirements, CDM obligations, and environmental standards, with the site left clean and fully reinstated on completion.
Delivered safely. On time. To standard.
