Network Rail is continuing work on a £1.6 million viaduct maintenance project in Lancashire.

Engineers are carrying out strengthening and flood alleviation works at the historic Whalley Viaduct after the structure was affected by severe flooding in Christmas 2015.

Features include installing an extensive water storage system along the bottom of the viaduct, as well as 16 catch pits, a control flow chamber and laying 400 metres of pipes at ground level.

The system will hold back excess water collected from the railway and prevent it from being discharged into the River Calder when water levels are high. Once river levels have receded, the surface water is then slowly released into the watercourse.


In addition, 1.4km of new handrails are being fitted along the track, making it safer in the future for engineers to carry out maintenance work.

Local company Harrisons Engineering are supplying materials for the five-month project, including 2,800 steel brackets and 16,800 anchors.

Michael Lally, works delivery manager at Network Rail, said: "This £1.6 million improvement package at Whalley Viaduct will not only help reduce the risk of flooding in the village, but will also make sure this famous viaduct is safe to use for many years.

"Our Railway Upgrade Plan is providing a better, more reliable railway across Britain and in Whalley we are seeing even wider benefits by helping to reduce the flood risk in the local area."

(LM/MH)