As most will be aware over the winter of 2023/24 the track over the viaduct was removed and a concrete slab introduced to take a waterproofing system. This was because water ingress was the cause of the deterioration to the piers. Then there was further emergency repairs to the leaning parapets. Following completion of the above works in November 2024 Inspire Structures undertook a Detailed Inspection of the viaduct, using roped access, to get within touching distance of all parts of the structure.
No work was planned in 2025 to give the bridge a chance to dry out & it allowed the team to review the report and compile a prioritised plan:
- Repointing and pinning of piers 10, 11 and 12. The inspection report identified a number of vertical cracks that were either new or wider than previously seen. This together with hollow sounding brickwork on the faces of the pier indicated a possibility of failure similar to that on Pier 8 in 2019.
- There are a small number of loose and missing bricks on the other piers that have been be repaired to prevent birds and vegetation damaging the structure further.
- Some loose bricks in the bottom of the arch in the piers have been be pointed.
The 2026 good Summer weather has continued into the Autumn which has been beneficial to the brickwork repairs being undertaken by our contractors; Walsh.
Thanks,
Sarah (Infrastructure Manager)
