Network Rail has announced it will spend £3.4 million on repairs to the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Work on the viaduct, which operates between Fort William and Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands, will take just under a year to complete. A start date has not yet been announced.
Network Rail said there would be no disruption to trains that operate on the line while maintenance is carried out, and the structure’s appearance would not be changed.
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Engineers will assess the strength of the viaduct while carrying out work to protect it from water erosion, and will later complete concrete repairs and make improvements beneath the track.
Network Rail is working with Highland Council, the landowners and stakeholders to make sure work is carried out as sensitively as possible, including using carefully selected stone for the repairs in order to match the existing masonry.
Laura Craig, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: “The viaduct is an iconic landmark which attracts visitors from across the world, so we’ve worked hard to develop a solution which will help preserve the structure, respect its historic significance while minimising the visual impact of our work.”
Mark Ilderton, service delivery director for ScotRail, added: “ScotRail journeys on the West Highland line, taking in the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, are incredibly popular and it is fantastic to see this work being carried out by our colleagues at Network Rail Scotland.
“There will be no disruption to any of our services during the work, and we look forward to giving as many people as possible the chance to experience the journey in the coming weeks and months”.
Councillor Ken Gowans, chairman of The Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, said: “The scenic rail journey has become a hugely popular route between Fort William and Mallaig.
“It is very popular with Harry Potter fans and attracts visitors from across the world.
“In addition, it also provides a valued service to those living and working in the communities it passes through, so it is essential that repair works and works to safeguard the route’s future is carried out.”
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