Network Rail has completed work on a £1 million refurbishment project on the Ayr Viaduct.

The scheme was carried out in partnership with specialist contractor Taziker Industrial to address issues with both the masonry and the metal work on the walkway of the 110-metre-long Grade C listed structure.

Work included clearing away vegetation from the four-span structure and carrying out spot repairs to the sandstone masonry at over 70 points on the bridge. In addition, the metal work on the pedestrian walkway was repaired and strengthened where required, while the whole floor of the walkway was completely replaced. The bridge was then cleaned and repainted in a project which has lasted six months.

To deliver the work safely, a bespoke scaffold system was put in place which was then 'encapsulated' in special plastic sheeting 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. It moved span by span across the structure as work progressed.

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Overall, the refurbishment ensures that the structure will not need any maintenance for more than a decade.

Matthew Spence, route delivery director for Network Rail, said: "We have now completed work to repair and refurbish Ayr Viaduct ahead of the busy tourist season in the town and to coincide with the 140th anniversary of the bridge's construction.

 "The refurbished bridge is at an important entry point to the town of Ayr and we are confident that it now presents a great first impression for those visiting the town or for people who use the railway on a daily basis. 

"We take seriously our responsibility to maintain and preserve these historic structures, not just for the safe and efficient operation of the railway, but also how they look in their setting for those travelling on the railway or visitors to the area enjoying the views.

"Working on these Victorian structures gives you great respect for those who built them more than a century ago and we hope that our work on their bridge does justice to the legacy that we have been left by the Victorian railway pioneers."

(LM/MH)