A boost for bridges across the regions

Network Rail is responsible for maintaining and improving thousands of bridges and viaducts across the UK rail network. Its work ensures they remain safe, operational, and resilient against environmental conditions, aging, and increasing train loads. Rail Engineer takes a whistle-stop tour of the work that took place to maintain, refurbish, and replace these structures during the first few months of 2025.

Eastern

Success at Darlington

A 50-tonne footbridge was installed by Network Rail at Darlington station on the Tees Valley Line on 21 February. It marked a significant moment in the transformation of this transport hub.

The enclosed, step-free pedestrian bridge links the existing grade II-listed station with the new platforms 5 and 6 and eastern concourse building.

The bridge was fixed into place in two parts – one weighing 32 tonnes and measuring 31 metres in length, the other 18 tonnes and 16 metres. A hole had to be created in the Victorian station’s roof to allow the bridge to slide into place. A 750-tonne crane was purpose built for the lift onsite by a smaller crane.

Network Rail teams and partners are delivering £98 million of Department for Transport-funded rail enhancements as part of the wider £140 million scheme. The upgrades include the new platforms, footbridge and eastern concourse building, as well as upgraded track, points and signalling system. A target completion date of December 2025 has been set.

Luke Durston, Network Rail principal programme sponsor, said: “We’re at a crucial and exciting stage in this transformational project, and the successful installation of this footbridge is a significant milestone.

“The site as a whole is really taking shape now, and the bridge provides a prominent visual marker of the progress being made.”

Bridge lift at Eaglescliffe

Also on the Tees Valley Line, over the weekend of 22-23 March, a 92-tonne bridge span was lifted into place at Eaglescliffe station. The steel structure was installed during a three-hour operation overlooked by 15 BAM staff.

The installation was part of the ongoing project to solve Eaglescliffe’s long-standing access issues and transform the station for passengers. When complete, the 56-metre-long bridge will feature three lifts to connect the existing car park – and a newly created car park – to Eaglescliffe’s island platform. The existing footbridge is being retained to ensure access to the station is maintained during the overhaul – while also providing a second emergency exit.

The project, which comes in at £14.5 million, has seen £9.2 million funded from the Combined Authority, £3.25 million from Network Rail and £2 million from the Department for Transport (DfT).

North West & Central

Seven abseil in Stockport

In the early hours of Sunday 23 February, seven railway workers abseiled down the side of the Grade II listed Stockport Viaduct as part of a £1.1 million revamp.

 Overnight, the team used rope access equipment to go over the top of the viaduct’s piers and carry out important restoration work. Last year, Network Rail began a project to remove overgrowing vegetation, clean away graffiti, and carry out extensive repairs to the viaduct’s 11 million bricks.

All of the viaduct’s 26 spans have now received this much-needed treatment.

Michael Lally, Network Rail Works delivery manager, said: “The team have done a fantastic job carrying out important repairs to the viaduct arches that cross the M60 in Stockport. 

“This is the final stage of the project, which started last year. The recent work means the overall appearance of the viaduct is much improved, but it also reduces the risk of damage caused by overgrown vegetation and graffiti.

“Managing plant growth on viaducts such as this is important in maintaining train performance as trees and shrubs can obscure signals and interfere with the overhead lines that power trains.”

Built in 1840, the viaduct carries almost 400 trains every day between the West Coast Main Line and Manchester Piccadilly. 

Greek Street replacement

On 31 March, work began on the £20 million bridge replacement project at the Greek Street road and roundabout in Edgeley, Stockport. The original bridge, constructed in 1958, has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced.

The bridge, which takes vehicles and pedestrians in Stockport over the West Coast Main Line, is now closed to traffic to allow work to take place to prepare the railway for the bridge’s replacement this summer. From 2-23 August, the bridge, which is made of about 200 concrete beams, will be demolished and a new bridge installed. 

Demolishing and rebuilding the 58-metre-wide bridge will be a complex process. Over Christmas 2024, engineers constructed a temporary bridge to reroute existing utility services such as water and electricity. With the road now closed, the road layout will be removed carefully in a way that does not damage the bridge structure while the railway is in operation.

The work is expected to be completed in Spring 2026.

Scotland

Awe-inspiring refurbishment

Toward the end of February, Network Rail completed a £3.5 million project to refurbish Awe viaduct near Taynuilt on the Oban branch of the West Highland Line.

The three-span wrought iron viaduct, completed in 1879, carries the railway to Oban over the River Awe, south of Taynuilt. Work began in Summer 2024, with engineers replacing the existing timber deck which supports the track. The old paint was removed to allow repairs to the structure to be carried out. Once repairs were complete, the viaduct was repainted.

Owen Ferry, project manager, Network Rail, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this project on Awe viaduct on time and on budget while causing as little disruption as possible.

“This significant investment not only improves the structure’s look but will help extend its life. Work on this scale won’t be required for at least 25 years.

“We know the viaduct sits in a much-loved part of the world and we thank our neighbours and visitors for their understanding while we completed this crucial project.”

The work was carried out by Network Rail and its contractor Story Contracting.

Renewal work in Killiecrankie

February also saw the completion a £3 million project to renew Rannoch Road bridge in Killiecrankie.

The six-month programme started in September 2024 and involved replacing the 128-years-old single span structure over the Highland Main Line.

Susan Menmuir, Network Rail scheme project manager, commented: “This vital work is part of a wider, rolling programme of improvements that are essential to running a safe and reliable railway for passengers and freight customers.  

“The project wasn’t without its challenges, especially as much of the work was delivered throughout the winter and in the face of several storms. However, both Network Rail and our contractor AmcoGiffen has a wealth of experience of working under these conditions.

“Renewals such as this help to protect the lifespan of our assets, as we won’t need to do work on this scale again for about 120-years.

“We do appreciate the impact our works can have on communities and I want to thank the residents of Killiecrankie for the patience shown over the last six months. Also, the community council, who played an essential role in helping us keep the community informed as the work progressed.”

To maintain an all-vehicle access during delivery of the work, a temporary bridge was in place until the new bridge opened to traffic.

Wales & Western

Somerset maintenance complete

In the Southern Region, train services between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare returned to normal on 7 February, after five days of engineering work to carry out essential structural repairs to a number of bridges.

From Monday 3 February, engineers worked around the clock during a temporary closure of the railway to repair four bridges in Somerset, ranging from fairly light-touch refurbishments to more extensive renovations.

A full replacement of the River Brue bridge deck took place alongside steel and masonry repairs, waterproofing and drainage work. The bridge was then repainted. While engineers carried out these repairs, another team replaced the track that runs over the top of the bridge.

Masonry repairs also took place on Middle Drove bridge, where the bridge span was fully replaced. New sections were lifted into place by crane, following the removal of the old span.

Somerset bridge was strengthened and repaired, while masonry and steel repairs were completed on Lympsham bridge, along with waterproofing.

Follow-up work will be taking place on the Middle Drove and River Brue bridges until 24 June. A full road closure will be in place on Accommodation Road until mid-June.

Scott Pillinger, Network Rail’s programme manager, said: “Our teams worked hard to complete these bridge repairs and reopen the line. We also used the opportunity to carry out track and drainage work while trains weren’t running – all of which is vital to ensure the continued safe and reliable running of the railway.

“Working over a solid week was the most efficient way to get this work completed and minimise disruption overall and I’d like to thank passengers and residents for their patience while this essential maintenance took place.”

Key to success

Collaboration with contractors, local authorities, and communities has been key to ensuring the success of these engineering feats. While some works have caused temporary disruption, the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term inconvenience. Rail Engineer salutes Network Rail’s continued work to bolster the nation’s rail infrastructure and keep the country moving.

Image credit: Network Rail