Media centre

Thursday 20 Feb 2025

Awe-inspiring project to restore historic West Highland Line viaduct completed

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail has 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. This work will extend the life of the viaduct and help Network Rail to run a safe and reliable railway.

Owen Ferry, project manager, Network Rail, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this £3.5m 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.”