NETWORK Rail has vowed to repair an “urgent defect” discovered four months ago on a famous Scots tourist attraction.
Last November, a survey of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, known as The Harry Potter bridge, led to an urgent defect report being issued after cracking was discovered.
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The survey warned: ”A vertical fracture runs off a horizontal fracture….to the full length of the refuge.”
The Network Rail report adds: “The additional concrete support lintel that has been added along the underside of all refuges in recent years is also fractured and displaced in this refuge, indicating further movement.”
Papers released under Freedom of Information laws show the need for essential repairs and maintenance of the viaduct was identified back in 2019, when ‘fractures’ were detected throughout the structure.
In September 2020, a report by consultants Tony Gee discovered two Priority 1 faults, a defect considered to present ‘a significant existing risk to public or personnel safety and/or structural integrity or stability.'”
Three more Priority 2 faults were discovered, presenting “the potential for development of a significant risk to public or personnel and/or structural integrity or stability.”
Papers show that experts at Dundee University’s Concrete Technology Unit – drafted in to study the reason for the concrete’s deterioration – concluded the bridge was suffering from ‘leaching of calcium’ due to water pouring down through supports.
It said this was leading to a “loss of strength relative to other parts of the structure.”
The results of core tests carried out on the concrete showed how holes have developed over the years, with some samples so unstable they could not be tested.
Glenfinnan Viaduct is the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland, completed in 1901 by ‘Concrete’ Bob McAlpine. It has 21 arches, stands 30 metres tall and is featured in four Harry Potter books.
A Network Rail spokesman said: “We are currently finalising plans for repair works on the defect.
“The viaduct is regularly inspected and is safe to use. We will also be carrying out additional refurbishment work on the structure next year to keep this iconic viaduct in good condition for years to come.
“In this instance, our engineers have evaluated that the majority of the defects noted in the Freedom of Information request can be addressed during the refurbishment of the viaduct currently planned for next year.
“The ‘urgent defect’ noted in the FOI will be repaired prior to those main refurbishment works and we are currently putting plans in place to carry that work out.”
Scottish Conservative shadow transport minister Graham Simpson MSP said: “These problems are concerning because the Glenfinnan Viaduct is not just a feat of engineering, it’s a stunning and iconic Scottish landmark.
“So it’s a relief to know that Network Rail is soon to carry out the necessary repair work to preserve and make safe what is a major tourist attraction.”
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