Sir Tim Laurence KCVO, CB, President of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Trust (GWRT), visited the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) on 5th January to inspect the progress being made on repairing the 120-year-old Stanway Viaduct.

Accompanied by GWRT Chairman Philip Young and Dr Graham Plant, Sir Tim saw how the gap in the mortar had been cleaned and cement grouted, and had the technique used to stabilise the parapets explained. He heard how the risk of further movement will be reduced by stainless-steel ropes attached to the parapets will be secured to the reinforcing mesh within the new deck.

Sir Tim was also interested in the progress being made to install a new waterproof deck alongside the parapet repair. Once the new waterproof deck has been installed and the stabilisation work has been completed, ballast and track will be relaid so that the line from Toddington to Broadway can reopen.

Work to repair the viaduct began in November with replacement of the failed waterproof deck, but during that work a failed mortar joint was discovered beneath both parapets and running almost the full length of the viaduct caused by the parapets leaning slightly outwards. Work to stabilise the parapets is now under way.

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Trust welcomes donations to its appeal for the viaduct repair, and they can be made at https://www.gwrt.org.uk/donate/stanway-viaduct-appeal

Sir Tim, who until 2022 was Chairman of the English Heritage Trust and has considerable experience of managing historic buildings, said: “This is a neat solution that has been developed collaboratively between GWSR s engineers, designer Jonathan Symonds and contractor Walsh Construction. Importantly, it does not affect the external appearance of this heritage structure and I compliment the railway on the way it is tackling the project to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

“However, I appreciate that the additional work has significantly added to the cost of the viaduct s refurbishment and that reopening of the line to Broadway will be delayed by a few weeks. But I look forward to returning and travelling over the viaduct when this initial stage of the project is completed.

“This is a very worthwhile and important project that will secure the long-term future of this award-winning heritage railway and I encourage anyone who loves this outstandingly beautiful line to support the Trust s appeal.”

Dr Graham Plant pointed out:” Failure of the original waterproof deck allowed rainwater to seep within the structure of the viaduct, causing damage to the brickwork. Over the following months the viaduct will be allowed to dry out before we begin the long and costly task of repairing the brickwork along the length of the viaduct, which is 15m (almost 50ft) at its highest.

I expect that work to be carried out in stages over the coming years.

Philip Young commented “The Railway’s engineers and their external advisors have come up with a solution which was straightforward to install and while it is an extra unexpected cost it is something the Trust can meet, if necessary, by rearranging its reserves. The Trustees felt that this was an appropriate response as it ensured the sustainability of the railway and would see trains return to Broadway hopefully in April, only about a month later than originally planned.

“Meanwhile our appeal remains open for donations as each 1 received means that is less for us to find from our reserves which will help us support the Railway elsewhere if the need arises.””