Network Rail has embarked on a significant new phase of their £3.4m project to futureproof the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct.
The Grade A-listed structure sits 100ft above the River Finnan on the West Highland line, which runs the 17 miles from Fort William to Mallaig. The line carries, as well as scheduled traffic, the famous “Jacobite” heritage train in the summer months.
Eager not to spoil the view for the hundreds of thousands of people visiting the area, Network Rail settled upon this innovative method of access to the viaduct.
It involves minimal environmental impact and allows workers to reach and work on areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. And, according to Network Rail, the rope access method is actually more efficient than traditional scaffolding.
As part of a year-long project that began in April, engineers are evaluating the viaduct’s condition and strength before proceeding with concrete repairs.
Maintenance teams also need to make improvements beneath the track to hold the stone ballast in place, as well as taking steps to protect the viaduct piers from erosion caused by the fast-flowing river Finnan underneath.
The viaduct’s Grade-A listing and historical significance mean Network Rail must refrain from cleaning off the marks from the rain that drains through it.
Network Rail made an application for listed building consent to the Highland Council in August 2023.
Glenfinnan Viaduct, built by Sir Robert McAlpine in 1901, was among the last significant structures constructed during the Victorian railway revolution. It took around four years to build, spans 1000 feet and is the longest concrete viaduct in Scotland.
It’s been great to see the care and attention the team are taking on this job – we’re very proud to be custodians of this much-loved part of Scotland’s Railway and don’t take this responsibility lightly.
There’s a lot more work still to be done in the coming months – we will continue to share updates of progress and you might even bump into some of our team at this year’s Glenfinnan Games!
Alan Ross, director of engineering and asset management, Network Rail
Responses
Good to see the work being done but has any considerationbeen put in place to the 70 or 80 odd paiirs of swifts that nest in the holes on the viaduct every summer .Im sure it will have been looked at before commencing work.