Viaduct damage worse than expected

HOPES of reopening Barmouth viaduct on December 12, at the end of three months of repairs, has been dashed after engineers found the condition of the timbers on the structure were worse than anticipated.

A second phase of work to replace rotten timbers and repair metal platework began on the Victorian viaduct last September, and as the work has progressed, Network

Rail engineers have had the opportunity to thoroughly examine the condition of the structure.

However, several timbers under the railway and the walkway have been found to need replacing due to deterioration.

As a result of the extra work, the railway was expected to reopen on December 29, subject to no further defects being discovered and delays caused by extreme weather.

The Grade II listed viaduct was officially opened on October 10, 1867.