Engineering work on the Yarm Viaduct began in November 2023, and now Network Rail and the Railway Heritage Trust have partnered together to refresh the viaduct’s plaque.

The local community contacted Network Rail teams last year in relation to vegetation on the plaque, which is found on the central column on the viaduct.

Network Rail has now cleared the vegetation and restored the 175-year-old plaque to nearer its original condition.

The Railway Heritage Trust have funded the work with specialist rope teams carrying out the work.

Other work on the viaduct is due to be completed in Winter 2024.

“We are delighted that we’ve been able to work with the Railway Heritage Trust to restore this 175-year-old piece of history closer to its former glory.

“While our work primarily focuses on making sure our rail network is safe and reliable for passengers, we try to take every opportunity we can to restore important and valued pieces of railway history such as Yarm Viaduct’s plaque, dating back to 1849.

“Further upgrades to improve the viaduct are ongoing and we want to thank local residents for their support while this work continues.”

Sean Ellerby, Scheme Project Manager for Network Rail

“We are pleased to have supported the work on Yarm Viaduct with a grant to restore the plaque.

“It is a testament to the skill of those who designed and built this structure that it still fulfils the function for which it was constructed, after completion in 1852.”

Tim Hedley-Jones, Director of the Railway Heritage Trust