THE refurbishment of the Ayr Viaduct has been completed following the 140th anniversary of the bridge’s construction.

Created in 1878, the work on the grade C listed structure, which crosses the River Ayr, was needed to address issues with both the masonry and metal work on the walkway to stop any further deterioration to the bridge.

Taking the engineers six months to complete, the metal work on the pedestrian walkway was repaired and strengthened, along with the entire floor of the walkway completely replaced - the bridge was then cleaned and repainted.

The steelwork was also painted to match the original colours of the Victorian structure and to maintain consistency with nearby rail bridges and the refurbishment of the bridge will now ensure that the structure will not need any maintenance for more than a decade.

Matthew Spence, Route Delivery Director for Network Rail said: “We have now completed work to repair and refurbish Ayr Viaduct ahead of the busy tourist season in the town and to coincide with the 140th anniversary of the bridge’s construction.

“The refurbished bridge is at an important entry point to the town of Ayr and we are confident that it now presents a great first impression for those visiting the town or for people who use the railway on a daily basis.

“We take seriously our responsibility to maintain and preserve these historic structures, not just for the safe and efficient operation of the railway, but also how they look in their setting for those travelling on the railway or visitors to the area enjoying the views.

“Working on these Victorian structures gives you great respect for those who built them more than a century ago and we hope that our work on their bridge does justice to the legacy that we have been left by the Victorian railway pioneers.”

The work was completed mid-May, bringing no disruption to train services in the town.