A £7.5 million upgrade to a viaduct in the Peak District has been completed.
Network Rail and AmcoGiffen were working on strengthening Chapel Milton between 29th August and 7th September.
The twin structures are one of the most photographed and are crucial for the country’s freight network.
The investment has seen brickwork repaired, reinforcement of the bridge walls, track replaced and realigned, and voids filled to strengthen the structure
They have also installed new waterproofing and drainage, as well as installed handrails and guard rails to improve safety for workers.
To highlight its completion, Network Rail has released drone footage.
There is still the last bit of realignment to be carried out before they can rewild the land used for materials and vehicles.
“It’s been hugely rewarding to breathe new life into this fantastic Victorian structure and secure its future for freight services for decades to come.
“Nestled in this picturesque valley we know how much people love these viaducts and I’d like to thank local people for their patience and understanding while we’ve been on site, especially to those who’ve been impacted by traffic management and any noise relating to our work over the last few months.”
Emma Thistlethwaite, Network Rail project manager
Responses
It is a tribute to our Victorian forebears that these viaducts have stayed in such good condition for over 150 years, with only minimal repairs.
Contract that with the over & under railway bridges built only 50 years ago in the Lune Valley when the M6 motorway was constructed, some of which now require complete replacement.