Network Rail is investing £6m to carry out crucial improvement works to Camps Viaduct rail bridge near Motherwell.

The 13-month programme, from March 2023 to April 2024, includes essential repairs to extend the lifespan of the 160-year-old structure.

Camps Viaduct towers 35m above the River Clyde between Ferniegair and Motherwell, serving passengers travelling between Glasgow and Motherwell.

Network Rail will carry out metalwork repairs, painting and masonry repairs to all piers including underwater repairs where required and installing rock armour on the riverbanks to prevent erosion.

Residents in the area have been advised of the work, some of which will involve noisy ‘rivet-busting’ and ‘grit-blasting’ work.

Suzanne McKay, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: “Vital maintenance and renewals work such as the work at Camps Viaduct helps Network Rail continue to run a safe and reliable railway.

“This essential work will not only greatly improve the look of the structure but will extend its lifespan for up to two decades.

“We appreciate  the impact of our activity will have on those living closest to the bridge and while we will do all we can to minimise this, we are limited in terms of what measures can be put in place to mitigate some of the noisier elements generated by the heavier engineering.

“We are grateful to the community for their patience while we complete this vital improvement work.”

The project is part of a wide-ranging bridge modernisation programme aimed at protecting and improving Scotland’s railway, with over £4bn being invested to increase reliability and improve performance.

Visit Camps Viaduct improvement work (scotlandsrailway.com) for more information.