A MULTI-MILLION-pound project to carry out repairs on the world-famous Harry Potter viaduct has been announced.
Network Rail are to begin carrying out a £3.4 million repair project on the world-famous Glenfinnan viaduct.
The 123-year-old viaduct is best known for being featured in the Harry Potter series and is visited by fans of the film franchise from all over the world.
The multi-million-pound project is part of Network Rail’s ongoing maintenance programme and aims to help futureproof the viaduct.
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Repairs are expected to take just under 12 months to complete as engineers will assess the condition and strength of the A-listed structure.
Laura Craig, scheme project manager for Network Rail, has reassured people that the beauty of the famous landmark will be preserved as engineers don’t plan on using any scaffolding so visitors will still be able to see the viaduct in its full beauty.
She said: “The main works to the viaduct will be concrete repairs.
“We’ll also be doing some repairs to the pier that sits in the River Finnan.
“Years of planning have gone into this project.
“The work will not have a massive visual impact on the way the viaduct looks and that’s very deliberate, with it being grade A listed.
“We won’t be scaffolding the structure at all but in the coming weeks, you’ll start to see the rope access technicians on the viaduct as they begin work.”
Network Rail has confirmed there will be no disruption to rail services during the work on the structure.
Ahead of work commencing, a community drop-in event was held in Glenfinnan, allowing locals the opportunity to ask questions directly to the project team.
Craig added: “We want to thank all who came to the drop-in event.
“We know it’s a much-loved viaduct and is, of course, the longest concrete viaduct in Scotland, spanning 1000ft.
“It’s a bucket list job for our team to work on and we’ll be sharing as much information and as many updates as we can throughout the project.”
Network Rail, along with principal contractor AmcoGiffen, have set up a compound at the foot of the landmark near Fort William to begin carrying out the work.
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