First stage of Barmouth Viaduct’s restoration

NETWORK RAIL has successfully finished the first stage of a £25m upgrade to Barmouth Viaduct. The stage was extended by 48 hours to allow more work to be performed while passenger numbers were low due to the Welsh firebreak lockdown. The project is replacing more than 1,000 timber and metal elements that are rotted or decayed, as well as the entire 820m length of track. Network Rail is doing this on a like-for-like basis to maintain the viaduct’s magnificent appearance.

Bill Kelly, Network Rail’s route director for Wales and Borders, said: “The restoration of Barmouth Viaduct will help us protect our industrial heritage and make sure this vital transport link can continue to serve local people and visitors in the future. We would like to thank our partners and the local community who have been really supportive of this project from the very beginning. There is more work to do, of course, and we will be back next year to continue the £25m upgrade.”