Viaduct rail upgrade aims to improve reliability

The upgrade of a viaduct in Cornwall will improve the reliability of rail travel in the county, Network Rail has said.

Work has been undertaken on Ponts Mill viaduct, near St Blazey, to strengthen the 152-year-old structure, which carries the Newquay branch line over the River Par.

During a planned closure in March, the timber decks of the bridge were replaced with steel decks, the bridge girders were strengthened, and the rails, sleepers, and ballast were replaced, Network Rail said.

The upgrade is a part of a £56.8m rail project aimed at connecting Cornwall's coasts.

In recent months, a 10mph (16km/h) speed limit has been in place, adding to journey times and meaning trains used extra fuel to slow down to travel over the viaduct and then accelerate after crossing.

Network Rail said after extensive work to strengthen the structure, the speed restriction had been removed and trains were now travelling at 30mph (48km/h).

It said although strengthening work was complete, work continued to paint the steel on the viaduct and repair the stone of the three columns and two abutments.

Dan Parkes, programme manager at Network Rail, said part of the "major project" involved work to "preserve an historic structure".

He said: "We're grateful to the local community for their patience while we completed the work."

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