Cooks Pond Viaduct

Given immediate notice of a reactive works job at Cook’s Pond Viaduct, a team was mobilised within 16 hours to provide safety cover during timber repairs on the walkway. Situated within a fisheries area, deep in woodland at Dormansland, near Gatwick, the viaduct is a steel rail bridge on the Croydon to East Grinstead line. The operation consisted of four, night shifts with two personnel and a Rigiflex work boat for safety supervision. An electric power bank supplied 110V lighting to illuminate both the work area and the boat launching point. All staff utilised drysuits and personal flotation devices (PFDs) ready to enter the water in the event of an emergency. An electric outboard motor was used due to environmental considerations at the fishery, ensuring no oil or fuel contamination. Given the shallow water, debris was also collected as part of the task.