The footpath across the scenic Barmouth Viaduct in North Wales reopened last Friday, 18th February, for walkers, cyclists, and tourists, following vital safety upgrades.
Engineers had been working around the clock since 10th January to repair and replace parts of the walkway and handrails of the Grade II* listed structure. The footpath was reopened just in time for the February half term, which is expected to be a busy time for the seaside resort of Barmouth.
Network Rail is carrying out the biggest restoration of the viaduct in its 153-year history with a £30m upgrade to protect it for generations and maintain its magnificent appearance. Phase two of the restoration was completed in December 2021, when it reopened for rail traffic after over three months of intensive restoration work.
During the restoration, the condition of the timber viaduct was found to be much worse than expected, and despite very challenging winter weather and the impact of the Omicron variant, engineers worked around the clock to complete repairs. To complete the entire restoration, over 1,000 timber and metal elements of the viaduct that are rotting or decaying will require replacing, as well as the entire 820m length of the track.
Because of storms Dudley and Eunice that battered Wales last week, some minor work has been postponed. During the coming weeks, the walkway will be closed temporarily again overnight for a series of short closures so that Network Rail can complete all outstanding work.
Gareth Yates, project manager at Network Rail said: “I'd like to thank the local community for bearing with us over the past few weeks as we carried out the repairs to the walkway.
“We recognise the huge importance of Barmouth Viaduct to the local economy and were pleased to be able to reopen the walkway in time for half term so that pedestrians and cyclists – from both the local community and those on holiday – can enjoy travelling across this magnificent structure once again.”
