Anti-vandal measures proposed for listed viaduct
GooglePlans to install new "trespass and vandalism-prevention measures" at a 19th-Century railway viaduct have been submitted.
Network Rail is seeking permission to install new bollards and fencing at Sunderland's Grade II* listed Victoria Viaduct, which crosses the River Wear between Fatfield and Penshaw.
The proposals will be considered by Sunderland City Council's planning department, as listed building consent is required for the works.
A decision will be made by April 14, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The structure, originally known as the Victoria Bridge, was completed in 1838 as part of the Durham Junction Railway and has a 120ft (36.5m) drop at its highest point to the river below.
No train has crossed the structure since the early 1990s and it has been mothballed ever since, with the viaduct track removed, steel gates erected at each end and access only allowed for essential inspections and maintenance work.
'Heritage asset'
Network Rail, which has responsibility for the structure, is proposing replacing existing mesh fencing and concrete barriers with measures including new bollards and 2m-high (6.5ft) steel fencing, as well as handrails being treated with anti-climb paint.
The arrangement is expected to be duplicated at "both the east and west ends of the viaduct to prevent access to the structure".
A design, access and heritage statement submitted with the plans states there have been "recent instances of vandalism to the structure and also access with quad bikes which has precipitated the need to review and revise the measures on the structure".
Network Rail added that conserving the structure was important because it was a "designated heritage asset" and "quintessential example of 19th-Century British railway engineering".
Planning documents state the measures "would not hinder or harm the heritage values and significance embodied" by the structure.