Network Rail will begin work on the River Devon Viaduct in Newark on Saturday the 2nd of September with work ongoing to Monday the 11th of September. The project will see the viaduct which carries the railway across the River Trent fully renewed.

The major project marks a £2 million investment by Network Rail and will see the replacement of every one of the structure’s 44 beams.

The beams will be replaced with modern, fibre-reinforced foamed urethane beams, which are 100% recyclable and more environmentally friendly than traditional hardwood sleepers. The project will also see new rails and sleepers installed alongside structural improvements for the viaduct in order to keep the railway running safely and efficiently into the future.

During the ten-day period of work, there will be major changes to rail services in order for the project to be completed safely. East Midlands Railway will be operating a reduced timetable both to and from Newark Castle with a rail replacement bus service in operation.

Customers planning to travel through, to or from Newark Castle are being advised by the rail operator to check their travel plans ahead of making a journey via National Rail Enquiries or via the East Midlands Railway website. Further to the planned work, industrial action is set to take place on Saturday the 2nd of September and will see no services operating, including the rail replacement bus services.

Rachel Braid, Project Manager for Network Rail, said:

“The work we’re doing to the River Devon Viaduct will not only boost reliability for passengers, but it will also future-proof the railway and enable trains to continue to run over the viaduct for years to come.”

“We have planned this work carefully to keep disruption for passengers to a minimum, but there are some changes to services for East Midlands Railway customers. We’d like to urge all passengers planning on travelling to, from or through Newark Castle during this time to check their journey via National Rail Enquiries.”

“We’d like to thank all those impacted for their patience during this time.”

Dave Meredith, Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway said:

“We are asking any customers planning to travel along the Nottingham, Newark, Lincoln and Grimsby corridor, between Saturday, 2nd September and Monday, 11th September, to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete their journeys.”

“A reduced service will be in operation, with some services being replaced by bus. With the exception of Saturday, 2nd September, where there will be no services due to strike action by RMT and ASLEF unions.”

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst Network Rail carries out this essential upgrade of the viaduct.”