Viaduct upgrade to help limit rail disruption

Work to replace the beams will start in September

A £4.5m upgrade to a viaduct will begin next month to help limit disruption to train passengers.

Network Rail said the upgrade of the Eskmeals viaduct in Cumbria would make the structure less vulnerable to extreme weather caused by climate change.

Hardwood timber beams will be replaced with more durable material as part of the repairs.

The viaduct will be closed to trains between 6 September and 23 September while the work takes place.

There will also be a three-day closure at Barrow from 7 to 10 September.

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: "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."

More reliable journeys

The project will see hardwood timber beams replaced with material which will double the life expectancy from 25 to 50 years, Network Rail say.

It added the 190 new beams were a manufactured fibrous product which could be recycled and need less maintenance, meaning less disruption to passengers.

The current 160 timber beams in place will be recycled.

Network Rail’s works delivery manager Jonny Rayson said the upgrade would 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," Mr Rayson added.