Railway Ballast
Cloburn – Source & Suppliers Of Network Rail Approved Rail Track Ballast
If you’ve travelled by train in the UK, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the red-coloured stone on the railroad tracks upon which the sleepers are nestled. That’s our famous Red granite rail ballast!
Cloburn Quarry is the source of high quality, high density granite aggregate and we’ve been supplying Railway Ballast since 1896!
Recognised as the country’s number one supplier for rail track ballast, we supply Network Rail, heritage railway companies, construction and engineering companies nationwide throughout the UK, as well as overseas, with our premium quality ballast that meets required rail specification.
We Are Premier Rail Track Ballast Suppliers, providing high density ballast to train companies throughout the UK and worldwide.
Our rail track ballast is Network Rail approved and widely used on the UK rail network!
Cloburn Ballast used in the reinstating of the Ferryhill Turntable in Aberdeen to Network Rail.
Rail ballast that’s highly trusted and used on railways across the UK
What is Railway Track Ballast?
Rail ballast is an aggregate which is used as a trackbed for the railway track, sitting above sub-ballast, and provides drainage and strength for the heavy loads carried by trains.
Tough aggregate rail track ballast, 30-50mm in size, can withstand heavy wear in a rail environment. Granite, like our Cloburn red granite (not to be mistaken as pink), is often used on tracks because its strength provides natural durability. Don’t mistake granite for train track gravel. Our Cloburn granite is a far superior material to gravel, and can withstand the weight-loading requirements of mainland trains, which is why it’s the preferred option for ballast for railtrack owners and operators, and is National Rail approved.
Why Is Ballast Used on Railways?
An essential part of any rail setup, rail track ballast is used as a base coverage between, below and surrounding the rail sleepers which promotes free draining, reduces the growth of vegetation and provides a stable trackbed to help secure the position and support the railway sleepers, rails and rolling stock (rail vehicles).
Materials used on the railway tracks are tested to a high standard to ensure safety and efficiency. Our red granite track ballast meets Network Rail standards for resistance to chipping, abrasion and wear, cleanliness, resistance to freezing and thawing.
Tracks are maintained using ballast regulators and tamping machines to redistribute the granite ballast below the sleepers to provide an even bed to prevent the track from lateral movement and to provide rail track stability. The tamping machines’ tines can also force the ballast beneath the sleepers in order to raise the track height or move the track sideways, to restore the line and level of the railway track, if need be.
Our Ballast Is The Perfect Aggregate For Your Railway Tracks
Cloburn’s granite track ballast is a perfect material for railroad tracks. It can withstand the toughest of conditions and has hard-wearing surfaces that don’t wear down quickly, making it an excellent choice when you need a high-quality ballast that can withstand hydrocarbons or water exposure without fail. The irregular shape of the granite helps to interlock with each other to prevent movement and provide a stable support for the train tracks.
Granite is a cost-effective and incredibly strong material that makes it suitable for use as railway ballast.
Contact Cloburn Quarry Co. today to discuss your project needs.
31.5-50mm Network Rail Approved Track Ballast
Cloburn Quarry are proud to offer durable, long-lasting granite with low attrition value that meets Network Rail’s specifications and high standards.
Our hard-wearing crushed granite ballast is graded to 31.5-50mm in size to provide a robust and reliable base that is an essential part of any railway line to improve drainage, stabilise the track and minimise vegetation growth.
Red granite rail ballast can be supplied and delivered nationwide and overseas, and is sold by the bag, bulk bag or loose load by the tonne. We have five trains a week loaded with 30+ wagons taking 500 tonnes of stone all over the UK, and can organise transport of your ballast order by road, by rail or by sea.
There are only a couple of quarries in the UK who supply Network Rail approved ballast and we’re one of them. Buy direct from the quarry today and get a quote from Cloburn.
Which stone is best for rail track ballast?
Granite has many more properties than most conventional types of railway track ballast as it’s much harder wearing overall.
Granite, such as Cloburn Red, is one of the best materials for the job as it will not degrade under load when wet. Few rock types meet the stringent criteria for modern high-speed railway lines and Cloburn sets the standard for all the rest.
Conventional ballast has a tendency to erode/break down over time. This can cause a range of issues that aren’t acceptable with modern-day railway lines. If the track ballast wears over time and develops gaps and dips, the line itself can deviate over time. This can cause huge issues with track alignment which is something that has to be avoided at all costs.
Granite, on the other hand, is becoming more and more popular in its use for track ballast as its density and strength, mixed with its angular shape, make for a hard-wearing rail ballast that can stay strong for decades.
Contact us today to get a quote for rail ballast at a cost per tonne, per bulk bag or bag for your railway project.
Track Ballast Delivery By Road, Rail Or Sea!
If you’re interested in rail track ballast, we offer our customers a range of delivery options including road, rail, and sea to meet their needs. We are committed to providing a high-quality service and have the capability and capacity to take on orders of varying sizes.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to place an order. We are proud to be able to provide a delivery service that is second to none throughout the UK & Worldwide.
Worldwide Shipping
Trade Worldwide
Shipping deliveries from Leith in Edinburgh
Freight
Full access to loading facilities for railway links UK nationwide
Loose Loads
Tipped
Some products are also available in a loose tipped load
Why work with Cloburn?
We are committed to delivering a quality product to all of our customers. From our commitment to stringent production to our attention to detail with our logistics, we can guarantee that you’re given nothing but the top quality railway track ballast and the best service when you work with us.
Running our own quarry allows us to control all variables that determine the level and quality of our service. This ensures that we are consistent with our service from production to the finished product. We want nothing but the best for our customers which is why we promise to deliver a quality service to you, our customer.
Our logistical team will ensure that your railway ballast delivery needs are met. Our delivery service covers all of Europe, the UK, and some of the most remote areas on earth!
Customers from the UK, Europe, and Worldwide can benefit from Train Deliveries direct from Lanark. For those where rail may not be the best option, we can arrange shipment to any port in the world from Leith Docks. No matter how large or small your order is, we can provide accurate shipping costs for many locations for railway ballast orders. Please contact our logistics team at 01555 300 176 if you have any questions regarding ballast deliveries, requirements or timeframes.
We work with our client’s finding a way of working with them in a manner that suits them best. From creating bespoke services to delivering product on time, we can find a way of fulfilling everyone’s needs! If you have any questions then please get in touch with a member of the Cloburn team today!
Rail Track Ballast Delivery Details
Cloburn Quarry is located near Lanark, Scotland. Railway ballast delivery is available throughout the UK and worldwide via bulk bags, tipper trucks, freight train or by boat.
Do you need more information about our delivery and returns before making your decision?
