Work has started on a £4.2 million viaduct refurbishment project in Angus.

The scheme is being carried out on the South Esk viaduct at Montrose and completion is scheduled for summer 2018.

The 440 metre, grade B listed structure will be grit blasted, cleaned, repaired and repainted section by section over a 16-month period.

The project is being carried out by Network Rail is partnership with specialist contractor Taziker Industrial. A bespoke scaffold system and walkway is now in place to allow workers to access the structure and deliver the work safely.

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The viaduct is also being ‘encapsulated' to provide the right working environment in the exposed location as well as to stop any contaminants from leaking into the air and river below – particularly during grit blasting and painting.

Jeremy Spence, Network Rail's project manager, said: “Now that we have scaffolding, walkways, and bridge protection in place, work can get underway on the structure itself.

"It's a stunning location and I am sure the experience of working here over the coming months will be both exciting and challenging."

The scaffolding will be removed and the site compound cleared by the end of summer 2018.

(LM/MH)