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Friday 8 Dec 2023

Marion Fellows MP visits Camps Viaduct rail bridge improvement project

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Scotland’s Railway welcomed Marion Fellows, MP for Motherwell and Wishaw, to the Camps Viaduct project site to see progress on the £6m investment to strengthen the bridge.

Camps Viaduct towers 35m above the River Clyde, is surrounded by ancient woodland and serves passengers travelling between Glasgow and Motherwell.

Along with Story Contracting, Network Rail began work on the 160-year-old structure in March 2023, carrying out crucial repairs to extend its lifespan and keep it safe and reliable for passengers.

During her visit, Ms Fellows met the team delivering the project, heard about progress to date, and discussed some of the challenges involved in working on the super-structure.

She also heard about the special measures being taken to protect the local wildlife throughout the project, as well as how the team is minimising disruption during work on the riverbed and underwater.

Marion Fellows, MP for Motherwell and Wishaw, said: “My constituents in Motherwell and Wishaw have told me repeatedly they want reliable, safe and consistent transport in and out of the area.

The upgrades at Camps Viaduct will do just that, and I was pleased to see first-hand the work being done on the beautiful and historically significant 160-year-old structure.

Thank you to Network Rail for ensuring the viaduct will continue to be used for years to come, and for taking extra steps to protect local wildlife and minimize disruption on neighbours.”

Christina Thomson, Scheme Project Manager, Network Rail, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ms Fellows to see work done so far on the Camps Viaduct project, which is progressing on time and on budget.

“Anyone who lives or walks near the structure or travels over it by train will be aware of how impressive Camps Viaduct is. It is a privilege to be part of this project, but it has not been without its challenges.

“Given the sheer size and scale of the bridge, a great deal of planning has gone into making sure the work is carried out in the safest, most efficient way while causing the least amount of disruption.

“We are on track to complete our painting work this month. Our teams will return in the new year to strip away the remaining scaffolding and the project should be completely finished by Spring.

“Once again, we thank our lineside neighbours for their patience and understanding while these essential works took place.”

If you have any questions about the bridge work, you can contact Network Rail’s 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or follow us on Twitter @NetworkRailScot for latest updates.

For more information on the wider project, visit: Camps Viaduct improvement work (scotlandsrailway.com)