Network Rail begins £3.4m Glenfinnan Viaduct repair and refurbishment project
NETWORK RAIL
has begun a £3.4 million repair project at Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland Line. The year-long scheme will see concrete repairs carried out to the 123-year-old structure, which has become most well-known in recent years for having featured in the popular Harry Potter films. Engineers from contractor Amcogiffen will also assess the condition and strength of the viaduct, while carrying out work to protect it from water erosion. Work will also be carried out beneath the track to keep the ballast in place.
It is part of Network Rail’s ongoing maintenance programme and will help futureproof the landmark structure, which sits 100ft above the River Finnan, 17 miles from Fort William. It is not planned that the work will cause any disruption to rail services on the West Highland Line, and the appearance of the structure will be unaltered when the project is completed.
The infrastructure company is working with Highland Council, landowners, and stakeholders to make sure the work is carried out as sensitively as possible, including the use of carefully selected stone that matches the existing masonry. Mark Ilderton, service delivery director, Scotrail, 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, and we look forward to giving as many people as possible the chance to experience the journey in the coming weeks and months.”