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Tuesday 17 Aug 2004

NETWORK RAIL CELEBRATES THE END OF REBUILDING - HARRINGTON VIADUCT

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Network Rail has recently completed the £3.5 million project to remove and replace Harrington Viaduct on the Cumbrian Coast railway line.  The work completed has included the construction of a new, simpler road layout, new modernised piers were put in place to open up the view looking towards the picturesque marina and the old viaduct was removed in order to replace it with a new structure.  The viaduct was replaced due the old one reaching its life span and trains had to cross at a slower pace.  Network Rail hopes that the new viaduct will enhance rail travel for passengers in the area, making journeys across the structure a quicker and more reliable experience. Work began on the 2 February and has recently drawn to a close when, at the end of July, final cosmetic touches were completed in time for the plaque unveiling ceremony held at the viaduct today.  Flowerbeds have been placed around the viaduct and hanging baskets have been presented to Harrington in Bloom.   A plaque has been placed on the viaduct wall and was unveiled today by the Mayor of Workington, Mrs Joan Kirkwood-McDowell, who spoke along side Patrick Cawley, Scheme Project Manager for Network Rail and Alistair Briggs of Edmund Nuttalls. - more - Event - 2 Patrick Cawley said: “It has been a pleasure to work in Harrington and it is a credit to the project team that the job has been completed on time to such a high standard.  The people of Harrington have been an unbelievable support and have managed to lift team spirits in tough weather conditions by visiting the site with cakes, biscuits and tea.  We would like to say a big thank you as we come to the end of a most enjoyable project.”  Mrs Kirkwood-McDowell spoke very highly of the project team: “I wish to compliment Network Rail on their efficiency in replacing the viaduct at Harrington, with the minimum of disruption to both rail and road traffic, and maximum consideration for residents, in an extremely complicated contract involving other agencies. “Their cooperation has resulted in a vastly improved facility for the benefit of generations, and indicates the level of commitment of all the people involved in this project, from the original design team to everyone working on site who excelled themselves working under some extremely difficult conditions.  My heartiest congratulations to you all.”