Network Rail commences £3.4m repair project on iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct
NETWORK Rail has begun a £3.4 million project to repair the 123-yearold Glenfinnan Viaduct – a trademark feature of the West Highland Extension and a magnet for Harry Potter fans.
Along with principal contractor AmcoGiffen, engineers will assess the condition and strength of the viaduct, while carrying out work to protect it from water erosion, completing concrete repairs and making improvements beneath the track to keep the stone ballast in place.
The repairs to the longest concrete viaduct in Scotland, scheduled to take just under a year to complete, are part of Network Rail’s ongoing maintenance programme and will help futureproof the landmark, which sits 100 feet above the River Finnan, 17 miles from Fort William.
There will be no disruption to rail services during the work and no change to the appearance of the structure when complete.
Network Rail scheme project manager Laura Craig said: “The viaduct is an iconic landmark which attracts visitors from across the world, so we have worked hard to develop a solution which will help preserve the structure and respect its historic significance, while minimising the visual impact of our work.”
ScotRail service delivery director Mark Ilderton said: “ScotRail journeys on the West Highland Line, taking in the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, are incredibly popular, and it is fantastic to see this work being carried out by our colleagues at Network Rail Scotland.
“There will be no disruption to any of our services during the work, and we look forward to giving as many people as possible the chance to experience the journey in the coming weeks and months.”