Restoration work on the world-famous Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle-Carlisle line has begun.
The Grade II listed structure will see a £2.1m investment as part of the Great North Rail Project. The work on the 144-year-old viaduct will continue until February 2021.
The viaduct bridges the gap between Ribblehead and Dent on the exposed Batty Moor. The work being undertaken includes
- Brickwork repairs
- Removal of vegetation and repairing the damage caused by plants and weeds
- Upgrades to drainage across the viaduct's 24 arches
- Repainting metal and pipework
Scaffolding is being installed to provide a safe working platform. The work is being carried out with guidance for historically significant structures; Network Rail are working with the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Historic England.
Passengers should not experience any major disruption while the work is carried out.
Phil James, North-West route director at Network Rail, said: “It's a privilege to look after so many significant buildings and structures across the rail network, but Ribblehead viaduct has got to be one of the crown jewels of Victorian civil engineering.
“We know the structure is incredibly important both locally and internationally, and we want to give it the care and attention that it deserves so it can be enjoyed by future generations of passengers and sightseers.”
Steve Hopkinson, regional director at Northern, said: “The viaduct is iconic and we're really proud to have such a magnificent piece of engineering on our network.
“It is also a vital and much-loved part of the hugely popular Settle-Carlisle line. The work being carried out will ensure future generations are able to enjoy one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the UK.”
Paul Brown, chairman of the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line group, said: “This work has come about as a result of regular inspections of the Ribblehead viaduct. We work closely with Network Rail and welcome this investment in the line's future.
“The Ribblehead viaduct was once seen as the route's major weakness. It is now probably stronger than it was when the Victorians built it. This work is needed to keep it that way.”
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The viaduct does need a lot of TLC. Good to see that it needs it.
It’s Always An stonishing Adventure, Whenever it Comes to Riding the Settle-Carlisle Railway line…
Especially Crossing Along the Rigorously- Historic Ribblehead Viaduct.
Having Previously been up there ‘in-person’ Myself… I Really Truly think Ribblehead Viaduct… is A Rigorously Vital and Cleverly Historic Structure,
It still does A Good Job, at Carrying Trains Across So-Called Batty Moor en-route… Also gives Cracking views of the land below.
Thank Goodness, They’re at long last going to Restore and Renovate/Strengthen up this Historic Railway Viaduct… Even as part of that Great North Rail Project through & through.
To Me/I Myself (in my book), Ribblehead and Dent, are the 2 Northerly Remote Locations, Where Yorkshire and Cumbria Meet.