Collapsed Coastal Road, Cumbria, UK

Introduction & Problem Statement

Coastal Road Stabilisation in Cumbria with AquaRockBag®

In Northern England, a coastal road in Cumbria faced a serious erosion threat caused by increasingly powerful storms and strong wave action. The sea-facing embankment had begun to deteriorate rapidly, putting the road structure and adjacent utilities at significant risk as winter 2020/21 approached.

To address this urgent situation, the local highways team required a fast, reliable interim measure to safeguard the vulnerable section of road. The worsening weather conditions, largely attributed to climate change, had made it clear that conventional repair timelines were no longer sufficient.

The Solution

Why AquaRockBag® Was Chosen

AquaRockBag® was selected as an ideal solution due to its speed and ease of deployment. These pre-filled geotextile bags were ready for installation upon delivery, offering immediate support to the damaged embankments.

Unlike rigid coastal defences, AquaRockBag® adapts to uneven ground and varying void depths, providing flexible protection where conditions are unstable. Their modular nature also allows them to be reused or integrated into future permanent solutions if required.

A section of existing rock armour had failed, leaving the verge exposed and compromising both the carriageway and buried services. With winter storms looming, filling the scoured voids became a priority to prevent further damage and loss of road infrastructure.

Benefits on Site

Thanks to the fast placement and shape-conforming nature of AquaRockBag®, the team was able to fill large cavities quickly and with precision. The material absorbs wave energy rather than reflecting it, which helps reduce the risk of further erosion downstream. Over the course of a single week, three key sections of the coastline – spanning a total of around 60 metres – were stabilised using 156 2 tons AquaRockBag®. This rapid installation provided immediate, robust protection to carry the structure safely through the harsh winter season.