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Friday 22 Dec 2006

VITAL WORK COMPLETED FOR MANCHESTER VIADUCT

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Passengers travelling on the Manchester Piccadilly to Huddersfield line are set to benefit from smoother and quieter journeys thanks to the refurbishment of Dukinfield viaduct, which Network Rail has completed on time and on budget. The £366,000 scheme restored the viaduct, which is between Guide Bridge and Stalybridge. Jo Kaye, Area General Manager said: “Schemes of this nature are vital to the future of the railway and provide long term benefits for passengers. The completion of this scheme ensures the line will remain open for many years to come and will provide passengers with smoother and quieter journeys across the viaduct.” The work was necessary because the previous structure had reached the end of its working life. Disruption to passengers during the work was kept to an absolute minimum, as the work was completed at weekends when fewer people travel. The original viaduct comprised nine masonry arch spans, which were screened off with brickwork and two metallic decks. During the scheme the original spans and steelwork were removed and replaced. A large amount of the brickwork was also removed and replaced with structural concrete, and finally a new handrail was installed to make maintenance easier and safer.