New contractor for NYMR bridge work appointed
THE North Yorkshire Moors Railway has named VolkerLaser as the contractor to carry out the reconstruction work on bridges 24 and 25 at Goathland between January and March 2022.
The appointment of VolkerLaser to replace the wrought iron and steel bridges which cross Eller Beck at Goathland follows the collapse earlier this year of engineering firm Cleveland Bridge, which was originally scheduled to carry out the work.
The £1.26 million reconstruction work is only one part of the NYMR's £10 million Yorkshire's Magnificent Journey project. VolkerLaser is part of VolkerWessels UK, a multidisciplinary construction and civil engineering group with a turnover of £1180 million.
Tim Bruce, the NYMR's director of civil engineering, said: “Our bridges are absolutely crucial for an operating railway and ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy this historic route.
“Some of our bridges are more than 150 years old and despite regular maintenance work to care for them and prolong their lives, the metalwork is starting to show its age.
“The renewal of bridges 24 and 25 is essential to ensure that we can run passenger trains hauled by heavy steam engines over them for many years to come. Despite some delays due to Covid and Cleveland Bridge going into liquidation, we are delighted that VolkerLaser is stepping in to deliver the project in line with our original timescales.”
Jim Mawson, operations director for steel at VolkerLaser, added: “It is great to have been awarded this contract and to work for NYMR in delivering the final piece of its Yorkshire's Magnificent Journey project. VolkerLaser will be working tirelessly with the client's team to deliver a successful outcome.”
Yorkshire's Magnificent Journey is split into seven projects, others including the recently-opened £4 million carriage stable at Pickering, and The Outstation, a volunteer development hub at Stape. It is financed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the European Union, the NYMR's Local Enterprise Partnership and donations from many supporters.
➜ However, the railway needs a further £300,000 to fund the work on bridges 24 and 25. If you would like to donate, visit nymr.co.uk/ymj