Media centre

Thursday 23 Jun 2005

VITAL WORK FOR CUMBRIAN VIADUCT

Region & Route:

Essential work will be carried out next year to replace Leven viaduct, ensuring the future of this busy and essential Cumbrian line. The project, which will cost in the region of £13 million, will be the largest Rail Civil Engineering bridge scheme conducted over the next five years in the London North Western Territory. Gary Openshaw, General Manager (Preston) said: “The Leven Viaduct scheme is a massive project which will have huge benefits for the people of Cumbria. “The viaduct is coming to the end of its natural, useful life and at present there are speed restrictions on the bridge. If work was not carried out these restrictions would have to be increased and eventually the line would have to close.” Leven Viaduct is a 49 span structure carrying the Carnforth to Barrow line across the Leven Estuary in South Cumbria. The Cumbrian Coast line is seen as a vital link to local economies of Cumbria with passenger services to the south, Manchester and Manchester Airport and this work will ensure the line can remain open. The viaduct was originally constructed in 1857 and was widened to accommodate a twin track in 1863. The last major repairs to the structure were undertaken in 1915. Unfortunately due to the aggressive environment, routine maintenance has failed to prevent the structure deteriorating to a condition when major work is required and the entire deck will have to be removed and replaced during the project. Due to the large scale and nature of the deck replacement works a full closure of the line will be required. Proposals to keep one line open while work was carried out on the other line were not deemed possible. It had been anticipated the scheme would have to be carried out over two 16-week blockades but better working practice has meant the scheme can now be completed in one blockade. The blockade is currently programmed to start at the end of March 2006. Network Rail has been liasing with the Train Operating Companies who use the line and a full rail replacement bus service will be in operation to replace all current timetabled services while the work is being carried out.