The rail route between Stonehaven and Montrose will reopen for passenger and freight customers next Monday (22 Feb) following the successful completion of repair works on the damaged bridge between the towns.
The bridge, which dates back to 1840, has been closed since Jan 15 after masonry fell from the sidewall on the southbound side of the structure.
Network Rail engineers, and specialist contractors, have been working tenaciously to carry out full structural assessments of the bridge, complete parapet repairs and strengthen the structure.
The works have included the installation of additional concrete supports on the bridge deck to help retain and support the track and ballast and the reconstruction of the failed parapet wall. Ties have also been installation through the bridge to strengthen the overall structure and the track has been relayed, supporting the ballast on the southbound side of the bridge.
Kris Kinnear, Network Rail’s Capital Delivery Director for Scotland’s Railway, said: “Our engineers have been working hard to complete these repairs and reopen the railway as quickly as possible for our customers.
“The rural location and height of the structure, coupled with the extreme weather conditions we have seen in recent weeks, made this a very challenging project for our team.
“We invest millions of pounds each year on our bridges and have also carried out extensive additional checks on the line between Stonehaven and Montrose ahead of reopening the line on Monday.”
READ MORE: Stonehaven-Montrose recovery works underway
READ MORE: Track repairs begin at Stonehaven site
Images: Network Rail
