LEVEN VIADUCT REOPENS

Monday 17 Jul 2006

LEVEN VIADUCT REOPENS

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Rail services started running across Leven Viaduct in south Cumbria again this morning, following 16 weeks of refurbishment work. The first passenger train crossed the viaduct shortly after 5am. Neil Jones, Network Rail territory structures engineer, who led the project, said: “The completion of this £14 million project by Network Rail will mean smoother and quieter rides for passengers as they cross the viaduct. It also means no further major maintenance work will be required on the viaduct for at least 25 years. “This has been a challenging project in terms of the weather, which was not kind and which put the project behind schedule at one point. “But, we redoubled our efforts because we gave a commitment to passengers and local people to get the line open on time. It is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved that we have done just that.” Working together in partnership, train operators, bus operators and Network Rail have endeavoured to maintain a punctual and reliable alternative service to keep passengers on the move during this essential work. Vernon Barker, managing director of First TransPennine Express said: "This has been a major reconstruction project and we are delighted that Network Rail has carried out the work to secure the long term future of the viaduct. We are grateful for passengers' patience and understanding during this time and we hope that everyone has been able to continue to make journeys without too much disruption. Now with the viaduct open and a full train service back in operation, we look forward to carrying passengers by rail once again."

Notes to editors

Built in 1857 as a single-track structure, the 49-span viaduct was widened to a twin track railway in 1863. Major repairs were carried out in 1915 when the cast iron piers were encapsulated in brickwork and reinforced concrete, and some of the deck was replaced. The last major repairs were in 1950 when maintenance was carried out on the steelwork. The intention had been to carry out the latest work over two years, but using an innovative gantry system to lift the old deck plates out and replace them with new steel decks, the work has been completed in one go. All that remains to be done is the grouting of the brickwork piers, following which the scaffolding will be taken away and the work compounds dismantled.

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