Network Rail has announced a £4.5 million investment aimed at strengthening the Eskmeals viaduct, a crucial part of the Cumbrian coast line. This project is a proactive measure to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the region’s rail infrastructure.
The investment will involve replacing the current hardwood timber beams with advanced synthetic materials that will double the lifespan of the viaduct’s support structures from 25 to 50 years. These materials, which can be recycled or reused at the end of their lifecycle, are expected to enhance the viaduct’s resilience against the increasing pressures brought by more intense storms, greater rainfall and rising sea levels.
A total of 190 new fabricated beams will be delivered by rail to minimise disruption during the upgrade, with the existing 160 timber beams slated for recycling. The work necessitates the closure of the viaduct to train services for sixteen days, from 6 September to 23 September 2024. Additionally, there will be a three-day closure at Barrow from 7 September to 10 September.
During the closure, road transport will be provided to serve all intermediate stations between Millom and Sellafield/Whitehaven. An amended timetable will also be in place between Barrow and Millom to align with the rail replacement services.
Jonny Rayson, Network Rail’s Works Delivery Manager, said: “This £4.5 million project to replace the timbers of Eskmeals viaduct will make journeys more reliable for years to come. Using synthetic materials instead of wood means there is an increased life expectancy, reduced maintenance costs for Network Rail and reduced disruption for passengers and freight operators.”
Craig Harrop, Regional Director for Northern, said: “All investment in railway infrastructure is to be welcomed – particularly so when it supports the reliability of services in the long term. Rail replacement buses will help customers get where they want to be in the short term – and I’d like to thank them for their understanding whilst this important work takes place.”
The project underscores Network Rail’s commitment to maintaining and improving the UK’s rail infrastructure in the face of climate change, ensuring safer and more reliable services for passengers and freight operators alike.
