PLANS to carry out extensive repairs on a historic 177-year-old railway viaduct in Stirlingshire have been submitted.
Network Rail has lodged plans to carry out essential repairs on the category B-listed Old Mill Of Keir viaduct, which carries railway tracks between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan while crossing the River Allan.
In its proposal to Stirling Council, Network Rail laid out the work that would need to be carried out, which included masonry repairs to its sandstone facade, edge protection and improved parapet stability.
The plans outline that the height of the parapets would be raised to meet modern safety requirements, with handrails proposed for installation at the top of both parapets.
Network Rail carried out a Heritage Statement, which identified “a number of live defects” on the viaduct.
The most recent examination identified spalling masonry, open joints and perished pointing, along with damp brickwork and separation fractures to arch barrels behind the voussoirs.
The statement added: “It is suggested that these fractures could be a result of softening of the brick in its permanently damp state or possibly weakening of the backing materials resulting in increased flexibility of the arches and separation from the spandrel walls.”
The Mill Of Keir viaduct sits within the Kippenross parkland, which was landscaped and designed by Thomas White Senior and Junior in the 18th century.
The railway line that includes the Mill of Keir Viaduct was originally built by the Scottish Central Railway and formed part of a major 19th-century expansion of Scotland's rail network, which linked Perth to the central belt.
The document adds: "The Mill of Keir Viaduct is a B-listed structure of mid-19th century origin, and the proposed works are informed by a detailed understanding of its construction, condition, and historical context.
“The interventions – particularly the installation of handrails and masonry repairs – are essential for safety and structural integrity, and have been designed to minimise visual and physical impact.
“The use of reversible and sympathetic materials, along with the retention of original fabric wherever possible, ensures that the special architectural and historic interest of the viaduct is preserved.”
