Major improvements to an historic railway viaduct in the Peak District are complete securing its future for freight trains serving four major quarries in Derbyshire.
Between 29 August and 7 September teams from Network Rail and its contractor AmcoGiffen strengthened a 160-year-old 15-arch structure on the Great Rocks freight line near Chapel-en-le-Frith.
It’s one of two iconic structures which converge high above the hamlet of Chapel Milton and is one of the region’s most photographed railway viaducts.
The twin structures are also a mainstay of the success of the country’s freight network, allowing trains to transport stone, cement and limestone from four major quarries to destinations across Great Britain.
These goods are essential for the construction sector, which uses the materials to build homes, roads and railway upgrades such as HS2.
Emma Thistlethwaite, Network Rail project manager, said: “It’s been hugely rewarding to breathe new life into this fantastic Victorian structure and secure its future for freight services for decades to come.
“Nestled in this picturesque valley we know how much people love these viaducts and I’d like to thank local people for their patience and understanding while we’ve been on site, especially to those who’ve been impacted by traffic management and any noise relating to our work over the last few months.”
