Tuesday March 17th 2026
Redbridge Viaduct, Tweedbank
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Work on an historic viaduct to support the electrification of the Borders Railway has been approved – despite acceptance at its “visually obtrusive” impact.
Scottish Borders Council has rubber-stamped an application from Network Rail for installation of overhead line equipment at grade B listed Redbridge viaduct, a five-span masonry arch structure near Galashiels.
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.
In his report approving the application, SBC planning officer Carlos Clarke, states: “Though it would have a visually obtrusive impact on the bridge, accounting for its slimline profile and its direct relationship to the operating railway, as well as its distance from public roads and neighbouring properties (albeit there is a public walkway over the viaduct), I would not consider that its visual harm would count against the benefit of providing it, which is to facilitate electrification of the railway.”
A report with the application stated: “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.”
The Redbridge Viaduct is the same structure as the Galafoot Railway Viaduct.
The five-arch red sandstone bridge, built in 1849 for the Waverley Line to cross the River Tweed, is often referred to by both names.
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