A £1.5 million refurbishment of two historic rail bridges near Glasgow Central has been completed.
Network Rail said that the Eglinton Street and Salkeld Street crossings – both 140-years-old – were ‘deteriorating’ prior to the completion of the six-month refurbishment project, which the organisation completed alongside Story.
The work included rivet busting to remove and replace rivets holding the steel in place, as well as other steelwork repairs. Engineers also completed ballast retention work, which involves securing the stone holding the rails in place to prevent it falling from the structure.
Once the repairs were complete, both bridges were partially repainted to refresh their appearance.
Christina Thomson, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said, “The bridges form part of key routes in and out of Glasgow, including the West Coast Main Line, so it’s important we do all we can to ensure their longevity. Not only has the work significantly improved their appearance, but it has extended their lifespan by at least 20 years.
“Maintaining old rail bridges is crucial because it preserves our heritage, reduces environmental impact, and is often more cost-effective than building new structures. We know well-maintained bridges can continue to serve their purpose safely and efficiently for many more years.”
