A commemorative plaque on Yarm Viaduct has been given a refresh, while a community garden and seating are to be installed under two of the arches.

The work is part of an engineering project underway to restore the Grade-II listed structure, which began in November. It involves the viaduct being strengthened and maintained to extend its lifespan.

Network Rail said it was contact by members of the community in Yarm last year about vegetation on the plaque, which can be seen on the central column of the viaduct.

It honours Thomas Grainger, designer of the viaduct, who died from the injuries he received in a railway accident just six weeks after it opened.

Network Rail joined forces with the Railway Heritage Trust to give the  175-year-old plaque a clean-up.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The plaque on Yarm Viaduct after it was cleaned

The restoration was funded by the Railway Heritage Trust with specialist rope teams carrying out the work. 

Read more: Tragic story of Yarm viaduct designer Thomas Grainger

The ongoing engineering work to strengthen the viaduct and repair the stonework is estimated to be completed this winter.

Work will strengthen 14 piers and will include cutting back vegetation, excavation, and concrete underpinning to prepare for pilling from July. The site will also see masonry repairs to key areas across the viaduct to recondition the stonework.

Network Rail also said it is working with Yarm Wellness Centre to transform two arches under the viaduct when the work is completed for a garden and a seating area to improve it for the community.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Maintenance work is ongoing at Yarm Viaduct

Sean Ellerby, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “We are delighted that we’ve been able to work with the Railway Heritage Trust to restore this 175-year-old piece of history closer to its former glory.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The plaque on Yarm Viaduct had been covered with vegetation

“While our work primarily focuses on making sure our rail network is safe and reliable for passengers, we try to take every opportunity we can to restore important and valued pieces of railway history such as Yarm Viaduct’s plaque, dating back to 1849.

“Further upgrades to improve the viaduct are ongoing and we want to thank local residents for their support while this work continues.”

Tim Hedley-Jones, director of the Railway Heritage Trust, added: “We are pleased to have supported the work on Yarm Viaduct with a grant to restore the plaque.

“It is a testament to the skill of those who designed and built this structure that it still fulfils the function for which it was constructed, after completion in 1852.”