Track replaced over historic Worcestershire viaduct

Picture of Roger Smith

Share:

Track replaced over historic Worcestershire viaduct

Share:

Picture of Roger Smith

Share:

Ledbury Viaduct. // Credit: Google Maps
Ledbury Viaduct. // Credit: Google Maps

has completed a six-project to replace track over a viaduct at Ledbury in Worcestershire on the line between between Worcester and Hereford.

To allow engineers to carry out the work, the line was closed for six days from Monday, 27th January until Saturday, 3rd February, when the line was reopened as planned to train services.

Ledbury viaduct track upgrades. // Credit: Network Rail
Ledbury viaduct track upgrades. // Credit: Network Rail

During the line’s closure, engineers replaced 485 yards of track, laid 1800 tonnes of new ballast, and installed 1,348 new composite sleepers across the viaduct. The track was replaced using a New Track Construction (NTC) machine.

Ledbury viaduct is a Victorian structure built in 1859-60 for the Worcester and Hereford Railway Company, later part of the Great Western Company, using bricks made on site from the clay dug out for the foundations. In some parts the track dated back to the 1950s, and with the viaduct being a historic bridge, extra care and precautions and special measures were required, including;

  • Using environmentally friendly composite sleepers, which are a more sustainable alternative to conventional concrete or wooden sleepers, and lighter to limit the impact on the viaduct.
  • Using non-invasive temporary fencing to ensure engineers’ safety whilst avoiding any impact or damage to the viaduct’s historical features.
  • Monitoring the structure throughout the work with drones providing a safe and efficient way to assess the viaduct’s condition.
Safety barriers along Ledbury viaducts. // Credit: Network Rail
Safety barriers along Ledbury viaducts. // Credit: Network Rail

Ledbury viaduct is featured in a beautiful piece of art at Ledbury railway station that gives passengers a glimpse of the town’s medieval past.

Network Rail is increasingly using 21st century technology to assist maintenance of its viaducts, such as laser scanners and drones used at Whalley Viaduct in Lancashire.

Ledbury viaduct track replacement. // Credit: Network Rail
Ledbury viaduct track replacement. // Credit: Network Rail

 “We’re really pleased to have reopened the line between Worcester and Hereford to passengers, following six days of major upgrades. Given the scale and complexity of the track upgrades, a six-day closure was needed to carry out the work safely and in the most cost-effective way. I’m really sorry for the disruption caused and I’m grateful for everyone’s patience while we did this essential work. The upgrades along this important route will help bring smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers for years to come.”

Adam Checkley, infrastructure director for Network Rail’s Central route

Responses

Related Articles

Upcoming Events