In a move to protect the Cumbrian coastline from the impacts of climate change, Network Rail is investing £4.5m into upgrades for the Eskmeals viaduct.
The project will include the replacement of hardwood timber beams with material that will see its life expectancy double from 25 years to 50, thus improving the track’s robustness. The new beams will come in the form of a manufactured fibrous product, which means no deforestation is required and, at the end of their lifetime, they can be recycled.
“This £4.5 million project to replace the timbers of Eskmeals viaduct will make journeys more reliable for years to come,” said Network Rail’s works delivery manager, Jonny Rayson.
“Using synthetic materials instead of wood means there is an increased life expectancy, reduced maintenance costs for Network Rail and reduced disruption for passengers and freight operators.”
The new beams will also benefit passengers in the future as they will need less maintenance. Network Rail says that 190 new fabricated bearer timber beams will be brought in by rail to limit disruption and the current 160 timbers in place will be recycled.
Regional director at Northern, Craig Harrop, added: “All investment in railway infrastructure is to be welcomed – particularly so when it supports the reliability of services in the long term.”
Ultimately, the viaduct will be closed for 16 days between 6 September and 23 September.
The news comes at the same time as Network Rail joins forces with ScotRail to publish a five-year action plan for the country’s railway. The plan sets out how Scottish rail infrastructure will be future-proofed, where carbon emissions will be cut, and what needs to be done to prepare the country for future climate changes.
As well as Scotland, net zero progress is being made in the other devolved administrations—read more on Transport for Wales’ progress here.
Image credit: Network Rail
