Tuesday February 17th 2026
Red Bridge Viaduct, Tweedbank
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Works on a viaduct to support the electrification of the Borders Railway will also future-proof the historic structure.
Network Rail is proposing the installation of overhead line equipment at grade B listed Redbridge viaduct, a five-span masonry arch structure.
The work forms part of the Borders Electrification project and will comprise of one cantilever mast that will be fixed to the outside of the structure with two connection points into the masonry wall.
The electrification of Borders Railway was announced by the Transport Secretary in September 2025, with completion earmarked for 2035.
A report with the application states: “The proposed works will clearly generate public benefits of national importance in terms of faster journey times for passengers and freight, improving connectivity, creating additional capacity, lowering industry operating costs, helping to meet environmental targets, and improving air quality.
“The cantilever structure has been located and designed to offer the best practicable solution to the electrification of the railway in this location while minimising the impact on the appearance and character of the listed structure, the Special Area of Conservation and the Special Landscape Area.
“In this regard the advantages of the proposed design have been carefully considered and the merits of alternative options carefully considered.
“The proposed work will future-proof both the historic structure and the railway running over it for the long term economic and social benefit of the wider community.”
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