Network Rail will begin work on the 23rd of March at Camps Viaduct and will be ongoing for 13 months as essential improvement works are carried out which are expected to complete during April 2024.
The vast programme of work will see teams carry out vital repair work, which will future-proof the structure by increasing its lifespan.
The impressive Camps Viaduct is approximately 160 years old and at 35m in height, towers over the River Clyde between Ferniegair and Motherwell, supporting trains travelling between Glasgow and Motherwell.
The engineering teams will carry out:
- Repairs to metalwork
- Painting
- Masonry repairs for all piers including underwater where required
- The installation of rock armour on the riverbanks to prevent erosion.
Local residents have been made aware of the work, which will include noisy ‘rivet-busting' and ‘grit-blasting' as part of the process.
Suzanne McKay, Scheme Project Manager at Network Rail, said:
“Vital maintenance and renewals work such as the work at Camps Viaduct helps Network Rail continue to run a safe and reliable railway.
“This essential work will not only greatly improve the look of the structure but will extend its lifespan for up to two decades.
“We appreciate the impact of our activity will have on those living closest to the bridge and while we will do all we can to minimise this, we are limited in terms of what measures can be put in place to mitigate against some the nosier elements generated by the heavier engineering.
“We are grateful to the community for their patience while we complete this vital improvement work.”
The project is part of a broader bridge modernisation programme which is focused on protecting and improving Scotlands Railway and will see an investment of more than £4 billion in order to support an increase in reliability and performance. The modernisation programme saw work get underway on a 150 year old wrought iron rail bridge in central Glasgow last summer.
For the most up-to-date information and progress updates, visit Camps Viaduct improvement work here.
Over the coming weeks, a community drop-in event will be organised, giving people a chance to meet members of the team and discover more about the work set to take place.
Details of the event will be shared with lineside neighbours and will also appear in local press and on social media as well as via the project portal at Camps Viaduct improvement work.
Amazing looking viaduct I must say. Be good to look after it as it’s part of the West Coast Main Line in & out of Glasgow Central towards London Euston.