Other remedial works to the older first bridge were also carried out around this time, including the replacement of its original concrete central span with a steel-braced equivalent.

During 2003, a new British rail speed record was achieved by a specially formed Eurostar train crossed the viaduct at 208 mph (335 km/h).

[2] During the widening of the M2 from two lanes to four, which was undertaken in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the original bridge was subject to extensive refurbishment and strengthening measures.

[2] As a result of the new motorway viaduct's completion, the formation of the M2 motorway crossing was changed; the layout of the original bridge being reordered into three coast-bound lanes, along with a hard shoulder, while both footpaths were reduced in size, including the permanent closure of the south facing footpath, leaving only one path available for pedestrians.

[2] The western bridge carries High Speed 1 (HS1), the high-speed rail link that connects London with the Channel Tunnel.

One distinct feature of the columns is that they are in a "V" shape, which provide greater lateral support and stability, particularly in the event of two high-speed trains deploying their emergency brakes at high speeds while traversing the structure.

[8] It was also designed to give a broadly similar appearance to the existing viaducts where they run parallel to one another, which includes matching spans and profiles.

On 30 July 2003, a specially formed Eurostar train crossed the viaduct and in to the Nashenden Valley at 208 mph (335 km/h), an occurrence that established a new speed record on the British railway network.

[12][13] In advance of the tenth anniversary of this record-breaking run, a plaque was placed at a nearby vantage point overlooking the railway viaduct.