£6m project to strengthen Camps Viaduct set to start
![£6m project to strengthen Camps Viaduct set to start](https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/uploads/Screenshot%202023-03-10%2012.00.52.png)
Network Rail is set to begin work on a £6 million investment, carrying out crucial improvement works to Camps Viaduct rail bridge near Motherwell.
The 13-month programme, from March 2023 to April 2024, will see teams undertake essential repairs to extend the lifespan of the structure as part of Network Rail’s commitment to running a safe and reliable railway.
Camps Viaduct is around 160 years old and towers 35m above the River Clyde between Ferniegair and Motherwell, serving passengers travelling between Glasgow and Motherwell.
The teams will also carry out metalwork repairs, painting, masonry repairs to all piers (including underwater repairs where required and install rock armour on the riverbanks to prevent erosion.
Residents in the area have been advised of the work, some of which will involve noisy ‘rivet-busting’ and ‘grit-blasting’ activities.
Suzanne McKay, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: “Vital maintenance and renewals work such as the work at Camps Viaduct helps Network Rail continue to run a safe and reliable railway.
“This essential work will not only greatly improve the look of the structure but will extend its lifespan for up to two decades.
“We appreciate the impact of our activity will have on those living closest to the bridge and while we will do all we can to minimise this, we are limited in terms of what measures can be put in place to mitigate against some the nosier elements generated by the heavier engineering.
“We are grateful to the community for their patience while we complete this vital improvement work.”
The project is part of a wide-ranging bridge modernisation programme aimed at protecting and improving Scotland’s Railway, with over £4 billion being invested to increase reliability and improve performance.