MAJOR REVAMP FOR LANDMARK BRIDGE

Tuesday 17 May 2005

MAJOR REVAMP FOR LANDMARK BRIDGE

Region & Route:: Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

The historic Forth Bridge is to receive an intensive refurbishment as part of Network Rail’s £13 million investment in the structure’s future. The 115-year-old bridge will be closed for eight days from July 24 to 31 to allow staff to work safely on the steel close to the track – a job that cannot be done while trains are running. Ron McAulay, Route Director for Scotland, said: “The Forth Bridge is a vital transport link and it is essential that we carry out these works to maintain it. More than 170 people will be working on the bridge to make the most of the time we have during the closure. “This is the first major closure in the bridge’s history and the work we carry out now will help safeguard the future of one of Britain’s best known landmarks.” The work includes blasting off ageing paint and carrying out any necessary repairs before giving the steel a tough, industrial coating. Network Rail is also using the closure to strengthen steel work and carry out repairs on Jamestown Viaduct in a separate £5 million investment. [First ScotRail info here]

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