Network Rail wins top award for South Esk viaduct work

Network Rail has announced that it has been awarded a National Railway Heritage Award for its work on the refurbishment of the South Esk viaduct at Montrose.

In the 40th anniversary celebration of the National Railway Heritage awards held in London, the prize was presented to Network Rail and Taziker Industrial by HRH Princess Royal.

South Esk viaduct was completed in 1883 and was one of last major bridges built in wrought iron using lattice girders in the UK.

Over a 16-month period, the 16 span (section), 440 metre, grade B listed structure was grit blasted, cleaned, repaired and repainted section by section in a project which completed in late 2018.

What did the officials say?

Jeremy Spence, Network Rail's programme manager, said:

“We are delighted that our work on this structure has been acknowledged in this way.

“We take seriously our responsibility to maintain and preserve these historic structures, not just for the safe and efficient operation of the railway, but also how they look in their setting for those travelling on the railway or visitors to the area enjoying the beautiful views.

“The viaduct sits in a stunning location and the experience of working there over the duration of the project was both exciting and challenging. Getting the chance to see the viaduct up close gives you great respect for those who built this structure more than a century ago and we hope that our work has done justice to the legacy that we have been left by the Victorian railway pioneers.”

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