26.05.20
Biggest restoration of Barmouth Viaduct in its history
Network Rail will begin a £25m project on Barmouth Viaduct to upgrade and protect the 1864 bridge for local people and visitors in the future.
The work on the Grade II listed structure will involve replacing a large number of the timber and metal elements of the viaduct, as well as replacing the entire length of track.
The bridge is located on the Cambrian Coast line, between Pwllheli and Machynlleth, in Gwynedd County Council and Snowdonia National Park.
To reduce the impact of the work, it has been carefully planned to take place over three years, with three shorter full closures of the 19th century viaduct, rather than one longer full closure. The first closure is planned for this autumn, when the restoration of the bridge’s timber elements begins. Preparation work will begin in June.
Network Rail’s Route Director for Wales and Borders, Bill Kelly said: ““Barmouth Viaduct is one of the most celebrated and recognisable structures in Wales and is the only major timber-built bridge still in use.
“We are investing £25m to give Barmouth Viaduct the biggest upgrade in its history, protecting our industrial heritage and ensuring this vital transport link can continue to serve local people and visitors, when the time comes, for generations to come.
“We have been working closely with Cadw, Gwynedd County Council and other stakeholders over several years to develop our plans. I want to reassure the local community that we have adapted these plans to make sure we are following Government guidelines during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
James Price, Transport for Wales CEO, said: “I’m delighted that Network Rail are making this major investment in safeguarding the future of this iconic structure and the Cambrian Coast Line. This investment sits alongside our own investment in transforming services throughout the Wales and Borders network, including brand new trains and extra services for the Cambrian Coast Line in the years to come."
Image: Network Rail