Rail services between Chester/Ellesmere Port and Rock Ferry returned to normal this morning (Monday 28 February) following a week of intensive work activity that meant passengers travelled on rail replacement road transport.
The biggest piece of work was on Mollington Viaduct between the villages of Mollington and Moston on the outskirts of Chester, where it spans the Shropshire Union Canal.
The railway tracks, sleepers and stone foundations were taken up to expose the deck of the viaduct.
A pre-cast concrete ‘saddle’ was then positioned to strengthen the viaduct before the entire deck was waterproofed. A new drainage system was installed and the tracks replaced.
The strengthening, which cost about £800,000, had no effect on canal traffic passing underneath the viaduct as all the work was contained within the viaduct parapets.
While the line was closed to trains, Network Rail took the opportunity to carry out additional work.
At Hooton station, the old footbridge was removed. It has been replaced by new lifts and a connecting bridge under the Department for Transport ‘Access for All’ programme. Work has been ongoing since May last year and the new lifts recently came into use.
The footbridge at Capenhurst station was completely refurbished and repairs were carried out to Spittal Road bridge.
