Brilliant boost for Barmouth economy in next stage of viaduct restoration

Alun Griffiths secure contract for the final stage of the Barmouth Viaduct upgrade project.

Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd has been awarded the contract for the last stage of the project, which will see the corroded metal elements of the viaduct replaced in 2022.

The local civil engineering contractor, half of whose workforce live in the Barmouth area, were also awarded the contract for the timber replacement works in 2020 and 2021.

Network Rail is committed to spending money locally, where possible, when sourcing workers, supplies and materials for projects. The benefits of this scheme to the local economy have been assessed using the Welsh Government Community Benefits Tool. The tool looks at the value an investment can generate locally through the supply chain. For the Barmouth Viaduct project, it is estimated that for every £1 spent with Alun Griffiths, the local economy will see a return of £1.95 – almost double.

The £30m restoration of Barmouth Viaduct began in 2020, with work to replace more than 1,000 timber elements of the viaduct. Network Rail and Alun Griffiths, who were also awarded the contract for the timber stage, will continue replacing rotten timber elements of the bridge and 452 timber main beams, with work starting in September 2021.

The final stage of work will take place in 2022, when the corroded steel parts of the viaduct will be replaced. The historic swing bridge elements will be retained and 820m of track will be replaced to secure the future of the bridge.

Gareth Yates, Network Rail project manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see the progress our teams have already made on the restoration of the iconic viaduct and we look forward to continuing to work with Alun Griffiths on the final stage of the work.

“Barmouth Viaduct is the largest timber bridge still in use. It’s really important that we do we all we can to preserve the structure so that it can continue being used as a key transport link for local people and visitors for generations to come.”

Tim James, Rail Director at Alun Griffiths said: “As a Welsh civil engineering contractor, we are delighted to be designing and delivering the upgrade of the steel section of bridge which follows on from our upgrade of the timber section of bridge.

“We are local to the area and we are proud to be delivering this project which brings economic, social and transport benefits for the area.”

Further information on the upgrade can be found here: www.networkrail.co.uk/barmouth

Photo credit: Network Rail

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