Engineers have started a 27-week programme of work to upgrade a key railway bridge at Dunblane in Scotland

The bridge is Barbush Viaduct, which crosses Allan Water, and work began last Monday, 6th July on a £1.3 million project to upgrade the bridge to ensure train services continue running safely and reliably for the foreseeable future. The work will include strengthening the structure to protect it from future wear and tear, which will minimise the need for more disruptive repairs in the future.

Included in the work are repairs to the steelwork, repainting the viaduct with corrosion-resistant paint, and improving its foundations. To ensure the safety of the teams working on the viaduct, they will make use of pontoons positioned on the river alongside a small working area next to the viaduct.

Network Rail will work in partnership with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to protect the river and surrounding environment, and will implement strict measures to ensure no debris or other materials get into the water. To keep disturbance to residents to a minimum, materials will be transported to the site by rail.

Probably the most famous viaduct in Scotland is the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct in Scotland, world-famous for its appearance in four Harry Potter films, and that was upgraded in a £3.4 million investment 2024.

“This investment in Barbush Viaduct will help keep trains running safely through Dunblane for many years to come. “These essential works will make the structure stronger and more resilient, while reducing the need for major repairs in future.”

Ross Moran, Route Director, Network Rail Scotland