Work is well underway to improve passenger and freight journeys between Manchester and Liverpool over the world’s first railway viaduct.
Network Rail is investing £3.8m to overhaul Sankey viaduct in Newton-le-Willows which opened in 1830.
Although not as well-known, long or iconic as Ribblehead in North Yorkshire, Sankey is hugely significant as the first major railway viaduct in the world, and birthplace of the modern railway.
Also known as ‘Nine Arches’ viaduct, it was designed by railway pioneer George Stephenson to bridge the 160-metre gap over the Sankey valley and built between 1828-1830.
When it opened it connected Manchester and Liverpool to form the world’s first intercity passenger route with a regular timetable as we’d recognise today.
The 193-year-old landmark is now having important maintenance ahead of its 200th anniversary in 2030 to secure its future for decades to come.
Mark Evans, Network Rail Capital Delivery senior programme manager, said:“It’s a privilege to look after so many significant buildings and structures across the rail network, but Sankey viaduct has got to be one of the unsung heroes of Victorian civil engineering.
“Its huge significance in the creation of the railway as we know it today is perhaps not so well known – but we’re hoping to change that. This restoration will not only make sure it looks good to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2030, but will also secure passenger and freight trains for the future too.”
Laser scanners and drones have been used to map every inch of the Victorian viaduct as part of the major restoration project.
