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Monday 9 Oct 2023

Disruption around Morpeth as Network Rail undertakes urgent repair work to Plessey Viaduct

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Coast

Train services in the Morpeth area are facing disruption as Network Rail undertakes urgent repair work at Plessey Viaduct, which is between Cramlington and Morpeth.

During planned engineering work over the weekend, Network Rail teams discovered that the parapet, a safety feature installed on the bridge, had moved. Work was stopped and specialist structural teams attended the site to assess options to repair the bridge.

Due to the site location, design of the viaduct, and the heavy machinery needed, moving the parapet back to its original location is not viable. Network Rail Structural Engineers and external specialists are working on different options to repair the structure.

The structure of the viaduct has not been affected and train services are still running on one line of the viaduct. However, this does mean a reduced service is in place, as well as some bus replacement services, so passengers are urged to check before travelling via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.

Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “Our teams are working hard to repair damage to Plessey Viaduct. While we want to minimise disruption to travellers, the safety of passengers is our top priority.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause to journeys and we want to thank passengers for their patience and understanding while we carry out this vital work.”

A spokesperson on behalf of train operators said: “We want to thank our passengers for their patience as Network Rail carries out essential work to repair Plessey Viaduct. There is a reduced service in place, and some services are not stopping at Morpeth, Cramlington, and Manors stations.

“We are advising passengers to check before they travel with National Rail Enquiries or via their train operator.”