Following the successful re-waterproofing of the Grade II listed structure in 2023, Story were contracted to carry out masonry repairs to the arches and piers of the viaduct.
Smardale Gill Viaduct, a 14-arch structure spanning 170 meters long and 27 meters high, was decommissioned in the 1960s and later converted into a pedestrian bridge in 1989. Following the successful completion of waterproofing works in 2023, Story were contracted to return to the viaduct to undertake masonry repairs to the arches and piers, ensuring the long-term preservation of the Grade II listed structure.
A primary challenge for this project was accessing the arches for the necessary masonry repairs. This was effectively addressed by employing rope access techniques instead of traditional scaffolding. A cradle system was utilised for arch repairs, while abseiling stonemasons carried out the repairs on the piers. Following the successful completion of the works, the project won Infrastructure Project of the Year at the 2025 North West Regional Construction Awards.
148
stones repaired
1,900m2
of existing stonework repointed
20m3
of lime grout installed
The project involved the following main work activities:
Through early contractor involvement, Story was able to attend meetings with the client to advise on key areas of the works. This included carrying out a stone measure and ordering the stone ahead of time to ensure that when it was time to start on site, the team hit the ground running with a constant flow of stone deliveries.
It was agreed that Story would change subcontractor for the stonework, so as to ensure completion of the works within the allocated timescales, as the original supplier didn’t instil confidence that they would be able to finish the project in 2024.
The newly selected subcontractor not only fulfilled the original scope of works, but eventually installed more than double the amount of stone replacement than was expected at the tender stage.
Thanks to the hard work of everyone on site, all the repair works were successfully completed by the end of November 2024.
Smardale Gill Viaduct is a Grade II listed structure, situated within an area of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation. As such works were planned to ensure no negative impact on either the structure or the surrounding environment, with ecologists attending site throughout the projects to ensure the protection of local wildlife.
The structure also forms part of a popular walking route and as such, all works were planned in order to allow public access to be maintained throughout.
Network Rail
VolkerRail/Story joint venture were tasked with the £80m project as part of a £137m investment that saw the undertaking of extensive enhancement works to remove several bottlenecks along the route to improve reliability, increase passenger services and aid in freight movements.