Work on a Cambrian Line viaduct has been completed after 16 days of maintenance work.
The viaduct which is situated at the confluence of the Rivers Carno and Severn was constructed in 1860.
In order to complete the works, teams had to jack up the railway and work on floating platforms and pontoons to be sure that they could complete the works safely.
Remedial work on metallic fixtures and strappings was carried out before replacing three of the eleven timber spans on the viaduct.
Simon Roberts, programme manager at Network Rail Wales & Borders, said: “We are delighted that we have given this 160-year-old viaduct a new lease of life. Now that it has been strengthened, there is less chance of the railway closing due to urgent repairs and passengers can enjoy a normal service ahead of the busy summer period.”
As well as replacing the timber spans, Network Rail were able to recycle 100% of the replaced timber with 17-tonnes being donated o local farmers and residents.
Roberts commented: “The local community have been very supportive, and it is a cherry on top that we have been able to recycle 100% of all the old timber and donate back to the community.”
Further work was completed east of the viaduct at Newtown with two kilometres of track removed and replaced and further remedial work carried out on several railway points.
Jan Chaudhry-Van der Velde, chief operations officer for Transport for Wales (Rail Services), commented: “This work by Network Rail will help make the railway infrastructure on the Cambrian line more resilient and improve the reliability of our passenger services.
“New Class 197 trains have been ordered for the line, so this investment will help clear the way for the trains to operate successfully.”
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