The project preserved the longest timber viaduct in Wales, maintaining its historical significance while incorporating modern standards and rail loading, ensuring a design life of 120 years. The structure is a significant landmark and access route, carrying the railway, a public footpath and cycleway. The scope of work was to replace the metallic superstructure of the Grade II* listed structure, previously added in 1906, and reuse and refurbish the existing substructure. A unique design & methodology was developed which addressed the location’s specific challenges whilst taking into consideration the significant appeal Barmouth and the surrounding area hold for tourists.
The complex and challenging refurbishment of existing heritage rail structure using innovative temporary works solutions. The project team successfully employed a unique construction methodology, including the use of new permanent girders as temporary supports and the transportation of girders over 700 meters using bespoke rail vehicles, streamlining processes and enhancing project delivery.
The project minimised environmental impact by avoiding significant works in the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), ensuring no construction presence in Barmouth during the tourist season, and reduced the carbon footprint through the reuse and refurbishment of the existing substructure.
The design team took great care to replicate the aesthetic and structural form of the original 1906 structure, including detailing rivets and ensuring the new bridge maintained the heritage status and iconic nature of the original bridge while meeting modern standards.