Tuesday 12 Jan 2010
WORKINGTON RAIL VIADUCT ‘WEATHERPROOFED’
- Region & Route:
Following the devastating floods that hit Workington in November, Network Rail has taken action to combat the effects of future severe weather on its railway viaduct over the River Derwent.
Nearly 2,500 tonnes of stone of various sizes has been deposited in the river round the piers supporting the viaduct, to act as protection against debris and fast-flowing water damage.
Network Rail route director Jo Kaye said: “Once the river level had subsided and it was safe to do so, we sent divers down in early December to carry out an inspection of the viaduct. The resulting report suggested we needed to carry out the work to maintain the future integrity of the structure, so we have done just that.”
A site compound was set up and a special aluminium roadway was laid down to the river. From there, a haul road was created from the river bank, into the river and up to the viaduct piers, where stone was placed to form what is known as scour protection.
The £287,000 Network Rail project was overseen by Birse Rail and subcontracted to Stobart Rail.
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