en.Wedoany.com Reported - Network Rail will begin repair work on the Avon Viaduct near Linlithgow on 3 August, with a total investment of £3.6 million and completion expected in May 2027. The 23-span listed structure spans the River Avon between West Lothian and Falkirk, and the repairs are designed to protect the bridge structure and the railway line it carries.

The scope of works includes masonry repairs, re-painting of steelwork, and structural strengthening, with the existing metal handrails to be replaced with glass fibre reinforced polymer barriers. As a listed structure, the project planning must balance heritage conservation with essential maintenance requirements, and Network Rail is working with local authorities and environmental experts throughout the process.

Ecological surveys have already been carried out to identify and protect local wildlife such as nesting birds and bats, with appropriate mitigation measures to be implemented where necessary. Allison Flanagan, Project Manager at Network Rail Scotland, said the investment will help ensure the Avon Viaduct continues to serve its railway function while preserving its architectural character for future generations, extending the bridge's lifespan and protecting the local landscape and railway heritage.