Network Rail has completed work to refurbish Ponts Mill viaduct, near St Blazey in Cornwall, so that a temporary speed restriction can be lifted, improving both journey times and reliability.
A 10mph speed restriction had been in place over the 152-year-old viaduct, which carries the Newquay branch line over the River Par, adding to journey times and causing trains to use extra fuel as they slowed down to travel over the viaduct and then accelerated after crossing.
Temporary repairs were carried out in March 2024, but now, after extensive work to strengthen the structure, the speed restriction has been removed and trains are travelling at normal line speed of 30mph.
During an extended closure of the railway, the timber decks of the bridge were removed and replaced with new steel decks, whilst the bridge girders were also strengthened. The rails, sleepers and ballast were also replaced, using two 60-tonne cranes to lift material.
With the viaduct now strengthened, the speed restriction has been removed and trains, including freight from the nearby mineral site, are travelling at line speed of 30mph.
Work now continues to paint the steel on the viaduct and repair the stone of the three columns and two abutments.
Network Rail programme manager Dan Parkes said: “This has been a major programme to not only protect the Newquay branch line but to preserve an historic structure.
“We’re grateful to the local community for their patience while we completed the work.”
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