A huge £6million investment to futureproof a 160-year-old rail viaduct has been completed.
Network Rail has announced that a 13-month project to strengthen the Camps viaduct between Ferniegair and Motherwell has been delivered successfully.
Located amidst ancient woodland, the 11-span viaduct serves as a 'crucial artery' for passengers travelling between Glasgow and Motherwell by train.
Along with Story Contracting, the rail firm has completed the work to expand the lifespan of the historic landmark - which towers 35 metres above the River Clyde.
Work began in March 2023.
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As part of it, engineers completed 1370 repairs, replaced over 10,000 rivets, and added 65 tonnes of new steel during these extensive strengthening and refurbishment works.
On top of that, essential scour protection works were also carried out to both the east and west river banks and this included the installation of over 800 tonnes of rock armour.
During the work, to protect the surrounding environment, Network Rail said work on the structure was completed while the viaduct was encapsulated and sealed.
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The travel company said pontoons were built in the river so that the scour and masonry repair work could be done safely and to limit disruption during work on the riverbed and underwater.
To protect the ancient woodland, the rail firm said it involved the installation of CellWeb, which are mats laid on the ground at the start of the project to help protect the roots of the trees, the soil, and other fauna.
Mark Wilson, senior programme manager, Network Rail, said: “It’s great to see the work at Camps viaduct complete. The £6m project has helped strengthen the structure for years to come but it’s so much more than that.
“There has been a lot of planning to make sure the project was carried out efficiently while causing as little disruption to the people who live nearby and minimising disturbance to the surrounding land, riverbed, and the wildlife that make the woodland their home.
“Work of this kind will not be needed for at least another 25 years. With a stronger bridge, we can help keep communities connected by continuing to run a safe and reliable railway.”
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