Network Rail has confirmed that a 13-month project to futureproof the 160-year-old Camps viaduct in Scotland has been delivered successfully.
The £6m strengthening and refurbishment works – delivered in partnership with Story Contracting – saw engineers complete 1,370 repairs, replace over 10,000 rivets and add 65 tonnes of new steel.
Essential scour protection works were also carried out to the east and west river banks – this included the installation of more than 800 tonnes of rock armour.
During the works, the team sealed the viaduct off to ensure dust and pollution did not contaminate the surrounding areas, including the River Clyde which flows 35m below the viaduct.
Pontoons were built in the river too, so the scour and masonry repair work could be completed safely, while minimising disruption to the riverbed.
“There has been a lot of planning to make sure the project was carried out efficiently while causing as little disruption to the people who live nearby and minimising disturbance to the surrounding land, riverbed, and the wildlife that make the woodland their home,” explained Network Rail’s Mark Wilson, senior programme manager.
The team took steps to insulate the roots of trees, the soil and other fauna at the start of the project, by placing special mats down and protecting them from irritation.
Acting on the advice of ecologists, park rangers and ornithologists, engineers installed netting around the structure to deter birds from nesting during the project – the protected species in the area were given an alternative nesting basket which was winched up to the top of the tallest tree by climbing teams.
Mark said: “Work of this kind will not be needed for at least another 25 years. With a stronger bridge, we can help keep communities connected by continuing to run a safe and reliable railway.”
Image credit: Network Rail
