A dangerous pinch-point disrupted the Welsh Coast Path and National Cycle Network 8, making cycling and walking hazardous and stymying Wales' Active Travel policy. The solution required reopening a redundant infilled brick arch tunnel crossing through a rail embankment. In lieu of detailed historical records and difficulties obtaining accurate survey information, traditional approaches proved unviable due to their potential impact to the operational railway and cost. This was an unusual geotechnical problem: the structure is situated within a rail embankment with limited cover to the overlying Cambrian Railway line and adjacent road underpass, which results in complex loading conditions.

‍

Utilising the innovative RamArch support system, OTB Engineering was able to develop a reinforced SCL solution that could be rapidly installed, significantly reducing the time the excavation, and therefore railway, was left unsupported.