One of the most spectacular railway viaducts in the British Isles, Barmouth Bridge has undergone considerable work in recent years. Most recently this involved the replacement of the steel work that formed the northernmost spans of the structure.
The majority of the structure, completed in 1867, was completed in timber but the northernmost spans were constructed in metal to provide a navigation channel via a lifting section. Inspection of the viaduct indicated that the metal sections were life-expired and required replacement rather than piecemeal repair. Following consultation, it was decided to rebuild the bridge but retain as far as possible its original appearance both in profile and detail. In addition, every effort was made to retain as much of the original ancillary fabric of the structure as possible, including retention of all of the deck level lever and mechanisms associated with the operation of the long disused swing bridge.
The complex work undertaken to replace these spans saw the project awarded the Translink Structures Restoration Award at the 2024 National Railway Heritage Awards a1 November, representatives of the NRHA and Network Rail gathered at the north end of the bridge for the official unveiling of the two plaques – in Welsh and English – awarded at the ceremony held in London on Wednesday 4 December 2024.
The unveiled plaques on Barmouth Bridge with, from left, Andy Savage, chairman of the NRHA, Helen Hodgson, Senior Sponsor, Network Rail Wales and Borders route, Gwyn Rees, Network Rail Wales and Borders performance and transformation director, and Sonny Robertson, Senior Town Planner (MRTPI) at Network Rail.
The replacement steel spans at Barmouth Bridge viewed from the south; the work undertaken on the viaduct resulted in it winning the Translink Structures Restoration Award at the 2024 National Railway Heritage Awards.