WORK has been completed on a £3.5 million Network Rail project to refurbish Awe Viaduct near Taynuilt on the Oban branch of the West Highland Line.
The three-span wrought iron viaduct, built in 1879, carries the railway to Oban over the River Awe, south of Taynuilt.
Network Rail and Story Contracting began work on the project in summer 2024, with engineers replacing the existing timber deck which supports the track. The old paint was removed to allow repairs to the structure to be carried out.
Once repairs were complete, the viaduct was repainted. This work will extend the life of the viaduct and help Network Rail to run a safe and reliable railway, the organisation said.
Owen Ferry, project manager at Network Rail, said, “We’re delighted to have completed this £3.5m project on Awe viaduct on time and on budget while causing as little disruption as possible. This significant investment not only improves the structure’s look but will help extend its life. Work on this scale won’t be required for at least 25 years. We know the viaduct sits in a much-loved part of the world and we thank our neighbours and visitors for their understanding while we completed this crucial project.”
