THE largest rail-mounted crane in the UK has been used to lift pre-cast concrete components into place on Network Rail’s £2.9 million project to replace a bridge that crosses the Neilston railway line.
With Saturday now being the most popular day for rail travel in Scotland, Network Rail undertook the work during a line closure on a Sunday and Monday – the first time such a schedule has been undertaken in Scotland, with engineers working ‘around-the-clock’ from the early hours on Sunday and Monday.
On-site teams used a Kirow 1200, the largest rail-mounted crane in the UK, to lift the pre-cast concrete components into place. The overhead line equipment that powers electric trains was disconnected from the old bridge deck while new concrete beams were installed. The equipment was then connected to the new bridge to allow trains to run from Tuesday morning.
The former bridge deck, as well as the removal of a disused bridge near Neilston station, were demolished on August 13 and 15.
Susan Menmuir, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said, “The existing concrete bridge deck was gradually deteriorating and nearing the end of its lifespan.
“Our work will extend the lifespan of the bridge, helping to keep the railway safe and reliable for years to come.
“I’d like to thank passengers and the community for their patience. I understand there’s never a good time to carry out work that disrupts passenger trains. By working on Sunday and Monday, however, we were able to minimise disruption on Saturday, which is now the busiest day for rail travel in Scotland.”
