Project Outline

On this scheme J. Murphy & Sons Limited was tasked with the strengthening, refurbishment and waterproofing of the 180-year-old listed viaduct, designed by railway pioneer George Stephenson, to secure its future for generations to come.

In conjunction with our design consultants - Arcadis we devised a waterproofing scheme that could be installed within tight blockades and the permanent way team looked to improve the current rail alignment and low ballast depths over the structure. The scheme is currently scaffolded up to allow for strengthening and refurbishment of the asset including restoring the paint colours to their original glory as shown in the watercolour below from the 19th century.

Key challenges

• During the works significant defects were uncovered with the original cast iron elements that required their removal for safety reasons. These elements were an integral part of the existing structure and still played an important part in the function of the structure today. New elements were then fabricated to replicate the existing defective elements.
• The poor weather conditions also hampered the grit blast and paint works, preventing the track side works being completed until temperature and humidity improved as summer approached.

Project delivery and innovations

Our works as the Principal Contractor for the design and build, works included:

• Engineering works and construction works
• Bridge (fixed and moving) renewal construction work.