Viaduct Deck Replacement & Strengthening at Ponts Mill
April 17, 2025

Structural Works – Viaduct Deck Replacement & Strengthening at Ponts Mill, Cornwall


In March, Protech completed single line track renewals for our valued client BAM UK & Ireland at Ponts Mill Viaduct in Cornwall as part of their wider scope to renew the viaduct deck and provide further strengthening. 


We would like to thank our trusted partners – Explore Plant, Plantforce, Volker, Torrent Trackside, and GPX Engineering – as we successfully delivered our full scope of works on this historic section of the railway. 


This was a challenging project, one that demanded specialist knowledge, seamless coordination, and precision delivery. It’s exactly the kind of work where collaboration across disciplines makes all the difference – and where Protech’s reputation for excellence comes to the fore. 

 

At Protech, our strength lies in our deep expertise and seamless project delivery. With dedicated in-house teams across rail and civils, engineering, monitoring, logistics, and support services, we offer a fully integrated approach to managing complex infrastructure projects from start to finish. This comprehensive capability – combined with our unwavering commitment to quality – is why clients trust us time and again.


Our scope of works included:


  • Renewal of 145 meters of single line track using composite sleepers, including two gathering panels and reinstatement of guard rails with MOW clip fastenings
  • Tamping to achieve precise design geometry
  • Installation of a new TTS troughing route through the viaduct
  • Back-of-wall drainage installation at both abutments


But that’s only part of the story. Our structural and track monitoring teams were on hand throughout the works, deploying state-of-the-art technology to ensure safety, compliance, and performance. Meanwhile, our haulage division kept the project moving smoothly by delivering all required materials – including 18.288 metre rails – directly to site. 

 

At the heart of a successful job like this is partnership: working with experts, sharing knowledge, and staying focused on the common goal – delivering for the client. We’re proud to have played a key role in this project. 

 

We look forward to working together again soon on the next successful collaboration. 

 



The back of a car with the word protech on it
By Richard Watts July 23, 2025
Chris’s Business Role at Protech: I am the Engineering Director, specifically leading the Monitoring, Survey, and Design business within Protech Infrastructure. All of our engineering functions report to me, and I oversee all aspects of the business. How long have you worked for Protech? Two and a half years, having joined in January 2023. What do you think Protech brings to the rail industry that some other companies don’t? A flexible and collaborative approach to everything we do. We consistently deliver on our clients' requirements, even within very tight, short-notice timescales. Protech uses the phrase, “INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR COMPLEX ENVIRONMENTS” – what does this mean to you, based on your experience of working with Protech? Work within the railway is complex by its very nature. We also operate in an industry with short-term demands and constantly changing requirements. At Protech, we work flexibly and innovatively to deliver bespoke solutions for our clients. With our growing team of engineers and surveyors, we ensure that the right competencies are allocated to the right jobs. We are continually learning and developing to ensure we can offer our clients the best solutions for their needs. Where do you see Protech in the near future? Continuing to deliver for our existing clients while expanding our reach. We have tendered for a number of frameworks that we feel align with our capabilities, and if successful, they will enable us to continue to grow and expand within the industry. We will also keep investing in our people, ensuring our teams and personnel grow while working with us. Can you talk to us about any recent jobs you’ve completed where you have specifically helped a client with your skillset and showcased Protech’s unique offering? Recently, we have worked with several clients undertaking infrastructure projects that have the potential to impact railway infrastructure, but who are not familiar with working on the railway. In these cases, we have helped the client specify a monitoring system that meets Network Rail’s requirements while minimising costs and impact on their project timescales. In addition to specifying and implementing the monitoring system, we have also undertaken all necessary liaison with Network Rail, including booking any required railway access. This gives the client confidence and peace of mind that they are effectively managing the risks of working on, near, or under the railway, without negatively impacting their project objectives. Finally, what makes you tick outside of work? What do you enjoy that helps you relax and switch off from work? Outside of work, most of my time is currently spent managing a major home renovation project, as well as being a taxi driver and football coach for my three children! When I do get time for myself, I enjoy going for a run or, if I’m really lucky, playing a round of golf. 
a person is standing on a train track .
By Protech November 4, 2021
We pride ourselves on the accuracy of our track monitoring services. Working in accordance with Network Rail Standards NR/L2.TRK/3100 and NR/L2/CIV/177 we provide both manual and automated track monitoring systems to deliver high accuracy, cost-effective track monitoring data. We can facilitate a range of remote monitoring from temperature to vibration, enabling 24-hour access to data on the conditions of the track and the assurance of early detection in case of geometry irregularities. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how our automated monitoring can support your project.
View our Capability Statement
By Protech July 13, 2021
View and download the Protech Capability Statement
a man is cutting a piece of metal on a train track at night .
By Protech October 7, 2020
Here at Protech Rail Engineering, we are proud to have passed our annual RISQS audit. The Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) features a smarter, quicker, easier platform and enhanced audit services, providing the rail industry with supplier assurance fit for the future. Protech Rail Engineering prides itself in its quality service and the RISQS accreditation is just one of the many certifications and accreditations we hold to prove to our clients that we supply highly skilled railway engineers and competently carry out works as indicated in the RICCL codes we are accredited with. Another great success from the team, huge thanks to all those involved!