Renovation works are now underway on the North Queensferry approach span to the Forth Bridge, with Network Rail planning to refurbish and repaint the elevated track as part of a £7.5m body of works.
The project commenced in February 2021 and has now progressed to grit blasting work, aimed at removing layers of old paint from the North Queensferry approach to the famous 130-year-old structure.
Engineers working in a bespoke encapsulated zone will then repaint the spans using the iconic Forth Bridge red colour, a job which will then not be required again for up to three decades.
Included as part of a five-year, £4bn programme of investment in Scotland’s Railway between 2019 and 2024, the work has been planned in a way which has avoided disruption to train services during the work.
The project is expected to be completed in early 2022.
Mark Wilson, Project Manager at Network Rail, said: “This is an exciting milestone in our project to refurbish the north approach span to the world famous Forth Bridge.
“We have planned these works carefully to try and minimise possible disruption to the local community and railway users.
“Our investment in this work will not only ensure the bridge remains one of the most recognisable structures in the world but will be crucial in our efforts to maintain a safe and reliable railway for years to come.
“A key element to the work has been the engagement with the North Queensferry community which sits underneath the north approach and we would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this essential work.”
The Forth Bridge has been a key part of Scotland’s Railway for over a century and this work on the approach spans to the famous structure is vital to ensure Network Rail continues to maintain a safe and reliable railway.
