Sankey Viaduct (DSE @ 14m 07ch - 14m 16ch). Panorama of viaduct looking south-east. Sankey Sugar Works in the background (Ref: 030592)
George Stephenson designed the 150 yards long, nine-arch Sankey Viaduct for the double-track Liverpool and Manchester Railway, to cross the valley and Sankey Canal with sufficient clearance for the masts and sails of the Mersey flats that used the canal. The viaduct was built between 1828 and 1830, although work on the structure did not finish until the middle of 1833. On 15 September 1830, the viaduct was opened along with the Liverpool & Manchester railwaySankey Viaduct (DSE @ 14m 07ch - 14m 16ch). Panorama of viaduct looking south-east. Sankey Sugar Works in the background (Ref: 030592)
Anker viaduct, Tamworth (DPB1 @ 24m 06ch - 24m 17ch). 269y long with 19 arches)
Otherwise known as Bolehall Viaduct, and known locally as The 19 Arches. Designed by Robert Stephenson and G. Bidder. The original is a watercolour by J C Bourne, 1847Anker viaduct, Tamworth (DPB1 @ 24m 06ch - 24m 17ch). 269y long with 19 arches)
Etherow Viaduct (a.k.a Mottram or Broadbottom Viaduct) (HAJ @ 10m 07ch - 10m 15ch) (Ref: 030594)
The viaduct was built by Joseph Locke and A.S. Jee in 1842, and this view (the original is a watercolour by J M Baynes in 1846) shows the original laminated timber structure with three arches (of unequal lengths) supported on piers of locally quarried stone. Each arch span had three parallel ribs, The timberwork deteriorated, and was replaced with hollow wrought iron box girders fabricated on-site by contractors William Fairbairn & Sons in 1860 while the viaduct continued in use.Etherow Viaduct (a.k.a Mottram or Broadbottom Viaduct) (HAJ @ 10m 07ch - 10m 15ch) (Ref: 030594)
Dinting Viaduct (a.k.a Dinting Arches). (HAJ @ 11m 42ch - 11m 62ch) (Ref: 030595)
This view (the original is a watercolour by J M Baynes in 1846) shows the viaduct as originally constructed in 1844, with four main laminated timber arches, each of four ribs, and flanked by eleven brick-built, semi-circular approach arches, each with a fifty-foot span - four at one end and seven at the other. By 1856, the level of rail traffic and the weight of the trains had increased so much that the existing timber viaducts were considered inadequate, and in 1859 wrought-iron girders were installed to replace the timber arches.Dinting Viaduct (a.k.a Dinting Arches). (HAJ @ 11m 42ch - 11m 62ch) (Ref: 030595)
Crumlin Viaduct. 5m 46ch - 5m 70ch (VON)
On the Taff Vale extension of the Newport, Abergavenny & Hereford Railway (later GWR). The 10-span viaduct crossed the Ebbw Valley at a maximum height of 200 feet and was 1,650 feet long. It was finished in May 1857 and was said at the time to be the largest viaduct in the world. This line was entirely closed to traffic in June 1964 and the viaduct demolished in early 1966. The train in the valley is on the GWR Western Valleys Line (WVL) and, to its right, are the Ebbw river and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Lithograph after H J Cooke, 1860Crumlin Viaduct. 5m 46ch - 5m 70ch (VON)
Dowles bridge over the River Severn (TBY @ 138m 26ch)
Posed photograph with GWR Loco 1A and West Midland Railway coaches, probably taken in 1864 after opening of the Tenbury & Bewdley Railway in August. The bridge comprised 3 openings each of 70ft carried by wrought iron lattice girders on masonry piers and abutments, and was designed by William Clarke, the Engineer of the Tenbury & Bewdley. The roofboard on the third carriage reads “Woofferton, Tenbury Wells, Bewdley”Dowles bridge over the River Severn (TBY @ 138m 26ch)
Glenfinnan viaduct (MLG2 @ 13m 65ch - 14m 05ch). Photo from Mallaig - Glasgow train hauled by locos: (Pilot) K2 2-6-0. (Train Engine) J36 0-6-0. 1937
Substantially completed in October 1898, the mass concrete, single track viaduct has 21 semicircular spans of 50 feet, and is 416 yards long and 18 feet wide. It crosses the River Finnan at a height of 100 feet, and on a curve of 792 feet radiusGlenfinnan viaduct (MLG2 @ 13m 65ch - 14m 05ch). Photo from Mallaig - Glasgow train hauled by locos: (Pilot) K2 2-6-0. (Train Engine) J36 0-6-0. 1937
Glenfinnan viaduct (MLG2 @ 13m 65ch - 14m 05ch). K2 hauling a train of fish vans from Mallaig. 1948
Photo from ground level on the south sideGlenfinnan viaduct (MLG2 @ 13m 65ch - 14m 05ch). K2 hauling a train of fish vans from Mallaig. 1948
Sourden (ROB @ 1m 01ch). Arch Overbridge and site of station. (Map Ref. NJ 289508). 1937
The simple station was opened, on a request basis, on 1 October 1858 by the Morayshire Railway, on its 3½ mile line from Orton to Rothes. It closed on 1 August 1866, after the direct line from Rothes to Elgin opened, but could still be used on a toll basis. The line was reduced to siding status until lifted in 1907Sourden (ROB @ 1m 01ch). Arch Overbridge and site of station. (Map Ref. NJ 289508). 1937
Runcorn Railway Bridge, a.k.a. Ethelfleda Bridge or Britannia Bridge (WJL1 @ 180m 77ch - 181m 11ch) (Ref: 030602)
The Bridge crosses the River Mersey at Runcorn Gap between Runcorn and Widnes in Cheshire. The design for the bridge and viaducts was produced by William Baker, the LNWR's chief engineer. It was built 1863 - 68, and is Grade II* listed.There is a timber yard in the foreground, on the riverbank.
Runcorn Railway Bridge, a.k.a. Ethelfleda Bridge or Britannia Bridge (WJL1 @ 180m 77ch - 181m 11ch) (Ref: 030602)
Shalford bridge over the River Wey (RSJ @ 41m 33ch), near Guildford. Looking south. 1948 (Ref: 030603)
Truss-girder bridge carrying two tracks on a left-hand curveShalford bridge over the River Wey (RSJ @ 41m 33ch), near Guildford. Looking south. 1948 (Ref: 030603)
Shipton-on-Cherwell. Bridge carrying Didcot - Birmingham line over the Oxford Canal. (DCL @ 70m 21ch). 1939 (Ref: 030604)
Branch to Blenheim & Woodstock in rear. Scene of the Shipton-on Cherwell derailment on Christmas Eve, 24 December 1874, when the tyre of a wheel on a third-class carriage of an Oxford to Birmingham Snow Hill broke. At least 26 died at the scene while four others were dead by the time the special train had arrived at Oxford station. At least one other died in hospitalShipton-on-Cherwell. Bridge carrying Didcot - Birmingham line over the Oxford Canal. (DCL @ 70m 21ch). 1939 (Ref: 030604)
Rainhill, bridge No 71 (DSE @ 8m 67ch). Track level view of west face of bridge, with station beyond. July 1883 (Ref: 030605a)
In comparison with the 1949 photo, there are a number of detail differences including the station nameboard, the signal on a tall post, the track nearer to the camera, and the telegraph pole attached to the bridge pilasterRainhill, bridge No 71 (DSE @ 8m 67ch). Track level view of west face of bridge, with station beyond. July 1883 (Ref: 030605a)
Rainhill, bridge No 71 (DSE @ 8m 67ch). Track level view of west face of bridge, with station beyond. Circa 1949 (Ref: 030605)
The world’s first railway skew bridge (built 1828-29), with carved plaque over the keystone “Erected June 1829. Charles Lawrence Esq., Chairman, George Stephenson, Engineer”Rainhill, bridge No 71 (DSE @ 8m 67ch). Track level view of west face of bridge, with station beyond. Circa 1949 (Ref: 030605)
Acton Grange Viaduct (CGJ2 @ 180m 39ch). 19 Nov 1904 (Ref: 030607)
Carrying the LNWR West Coast Main Line over the Manchester Ship Canal, and with a second, smaller bridge alongside through which the Great Central goods line ran. A lot of coal wagons are visible through the viaductActon Grange Viaduct (CGJ2 @ 180m 39ch). 19 Nov 1904 (Ref: 030607)
Forth Bridge. (ECN2 @ 9m 47ch - 11m 13ch). Looking east
Forth Bridge. (ECN2 @ 9m 47ch - 11m 13ch). Looking east
Forth Bridge. (ECN2 @ 9m 47ch - 11m 13ch). Class J37 0-6-0 64591 crossing the bridge hauling a train of empty 16ton mineral wagons. 12 Feb 1959
Photographed at high level from within the cantilevers.The J37 class was a Reid North British design, introduced in 1914. 64591 was built in 1919 and withdrawn in 1964Forth Bridge. (ECN2 @ 9m 47ch - 11m 13ch). Class J37 0-6-0 64591 crossing the bridge hauling a train of empty 16ton mineral wagons. 12 Feb 1959
Forth Bridge. (ECN2 @ 9m 47ch - 11m 13ch). During construction with the cantilevers partly built
Forth Bridge. (ECN2 @ 9m 47ch - 11m 13ch). During construction with the cantilevers partly built
Forth Bridge. (ECN2 @ 9m 47ch - 11m 13ch). Trackside view of internal girders, with a southbound Stirling - Edinburgh passenger train. June 1937
Train hauled by 'Scott Class' D29 No 9339 “Ivanhoe”. The engine was built in 1911, was given BR No 62410, and was withdrawn in January 1952Forth Bridge. (ECN2 @ 9m 47ch - 11m 13ch). Trackside view of internal girders, with a southbound Stirling - Edinburgh passenger train. June 1937
Forth Bridge. (ECN2 @ 9m 47ch - 11m 13ch). 1946
View of the two southern cantilevers, taken from the north shoreForth Bridge. (ECN2 @ 9m 47ch - 11m 13ch). 1946
Glaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). Original 3-arch masonry bridge, erected 1863
The viaduct is in Arncliffe Woods just east of GlaisdaleGlaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). Original 3-arch masonry bridge, erected 1863
Glaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). Original 3-arch masonry bridge destroyed by flood on 23 July 1930
The viaduct was destroyed by the River Esk in full flood. The remains of the structure are in the river, and with the single-line track suspended aboveGlaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). Original 3-arch masonry bridge destroyed by flood on 23 July 1930
Glaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). Erection of single-span steel bridge, weight 112 tons. 13 May 1931
The truss girder bridge is being winched across the river by crane and cablesGlaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). Erection of single-span steel bridge, weight 112 tons. 13 May 1931
Glaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). Erection of single-span steel bridge, weight 112 tons. 13 May 1931
The truss girder bridge is being winched across the river by crane and cablesGlaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). Erection of single-span steel bridge, weight 112 tons. 13 May 1931
Glaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). After the new abutment was destroyed by flood. 2 September 1931
The truss girder is in the river in full floodGlaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). After the new abutment was destroyed by flood. 2 September 1931
Glaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). The truss girder is in the bed of the river. 7 September 1931
The high slope beyond the bridge has also been washed awayGlaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). The truss girder is in the bed of the river. 7 September 1931
Glaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). View along the track showing the truss girder in the bed of the river. 7 September 1931
The near abutment appears to be intact, but the far one has been washed away, and the remains of the track are hanging from where it used to beGlaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). View along the track showing the truss girder in the bed of the river. 7 September 1931
Glaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). During erection of the two-span replacement bridge. 27 July 1932
A reinforced concrete central pier has been constructed in the river bed, on a substantial concrete foundation with sheet pile walls. The destroyed abutment has been rebuilt further back from the river. It appears probable that the fallen span has been reused, and the second span is being built in situGlaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). During erection of the two-span replacement bridge. 27 July 1932
Glaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). New two span steel bridge open for traffic. August 1932
The new central pier is between the two river channels during low-water conditionsGlaisdale. Bridge No 82 (MBW2 @ 27m 08ch). New two span steel bridge open for traffic. August 1932
LBSCR / SECR Joint Line. Woldingham. Bridge No 512 (SCU1 @ 17m 48ch). Wrought Iron bridge with three-arch bridge beyond. May 1884
The photo was taken at about the date the line was opened. The nearer wrought iron bridge is a footbridge, and the overbridge in the distance is known as “Three Arch” at 17m 33ch (Map Ref TQ361560)LBSCR / SECR Joint Line. Woldingham. Bridge No 512 (SCU1 @ 17m 48ch). Wrought Iron bridge with three-arch bridge beyond. May 1884
Severn Tunnel, Caldicot. Tunnel mouth at north-west end. (BSW @ 15m 29ch)
Severn Tunnel, Caldicot. Tunnel mouth at north-west end. (BSW @ 15m 29ch)
LBSCR / SECR Joint Line. Oxted tunnel, south portal (SCU1 @ 19m 08ch), showing drainage channel running parallel to track. May 1884
The photo was taken at about the date the line was opened. The tunnel is from 17m 64ch - 19m 08ch (1m 501y long), and is also called Godstone or Woldingham TunnelLBSCR / SECR Joint Line. Oxted tunnel, south portal (SCU1 @ 19m 08ch), showing drainage channel running parallel to track. May 1884
Haywards Heath tunnel, South portal (VTB3 @ 38m 16ch) (Ref: 030626)
Also known as Folly Hill tunnel, 249 yds long (38m 04ch - 38m 16ch)Haywards Heath tunnel, South portal (VTB3 @ 38m 16ch) (Ref: 030626)
