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Tuesday 27 Jan 2004

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS FOR CUMBRIA AS HARRINGTON GETS A NEW VIADUCT

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Network Rail is investing £3.5million in removing and replacing Harrington Viaduct on the Cumbrian coast railway line.  The work will entail a new viaduct, foundations and piers as well as a new simplified road layout leading to the marina.  Contractors have already begun setting up their equipment in order to start work on 2 February.  The six-month long project is a necessity due to the condition of both the viaduct and Church Road Bridge, which is also included in the work.             The project will be carried out in stages: ·      A new road layout will be constructed with a simplified system and fewer junctions, ·      New foundations and new piers will be installed and new bridge decks will be prefabricated off site, ·      The existing viaduct will be removed and the new viaduct will be constructed.  The infilling of Church Road bridge will also take place at this stage.                         During the final stage there will be a closure of the railway for seven days from 15 – 21 May 2004.  Rail services will be replaced by a coach and bus service to keep disruption to a minimum.  - more - Harrington - 2             The project will be completed when the roadwork is finished and Network Rail reconstructs two flowerbeds to replace beds that unfortunately will be lost during the work.  The flowerbeds will be donated to Harrington in Bloom, which maintain the existing beds, and hanging baskets will also be placed on each of the new viaduct pillars.  Network Rail will also make a contribution towards next year’s competition entry.             Network Rail project manager, Neil Jones said: “This huge project really demonstrates Network Rail’s commitment to the Cumbrian coast railway line, as it continues with its task of rebuilding the railway.  We appreciate that some of this work will cause disruption at times but every effort will be made to keep this to an absolute minimum.              “A lot of thought went into the planning for the final outcome of this work and I am sure that on completion the new viaduct and landscaping will enhance the appearance of Harrington’s seafront.”             A display providing information about the project is going to be placed in the Harrington Sailing and Fishing Club from 2 February onwards.  Network Rail staff will also be holding two drop in sessions on 10 February to answer any questions from local residents and stakeholders.  The sessions will be held from 12:00 – 15:30 and 17:00 – 19:30.