Lymington Viaduct Strengthening

Lymington Pier Railway Station was opened in 1884 to serve the harbour of Lymington, requiring the track to be extended from the main town across the tidal estuary through the construction of a ten-span metallic viaduct. Over time, the aggressive coastal environment has resulted in. corrosion of the historic structure which required significant repair works to ensure the provision of a reliable and resilient train service into the future.

In a major blockade from 23rd to 31st December 2024, train services were suspended to enable the complex and logistically challenging task of strengthening the iron columns and rail bearers of the aging viaduct that support the track over the Lymington River. Four Tees Engineers (FTE) were appointed by Principal Contractor Octavius as part of the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE) to undertake superstructure works, which included the very careful removal of the existing life-expired components, the replacement of rail bearers and strengthening to the flanges of the retained iron structure.

The project design was undertaken by Atkins on behalf of the SRE. FTE’s scope of works incorporated a comprehensive survey of the structure, detailing, fabrication, and installation of more than 4600 individual components.