Rising to the challenge: Bridge successfully lifted out of flood zone in Wales railway first
Following 30 flood closures in the last decade, this innovative £3.6m project will reduce disruption and improve passengers’ journeys on the Cambrian Line
For the first time ever, a railway bridge in Wales has been raised away from rising river waters to prevent flooding on the track.
Black Bridge, on the Cambrian Line, near Machynlleth, now stands one metre taller than before, after Network Rail engineers and contractors AmcoGiffen worked day and night to lift it away from a river flood zone.
This resilience project will improve passenger journeys and secure the future of this vital transport link between Mid Wales and the rest of the UK.
The bridge has been closed 30 times in the last decade, and ten times in 2020 alone, for emergency repairs caused by flood water.
A total of 360 engineers clocked up more than 32,000 hours to deliver this innovative project, in just six weeks, with the line reopening on June 28 2021.