Victorian landmark ready to welcome walkers and cyclists again
Historic railway viaduct is on time to return to Tyne trail. Tony Henderson reports
Repair work is now virtually complete on a spectacular viaduct spanning the South Tyne.
It is expected that the stonework restoration on the 850ft-long Lambley Viaduct in Northumberland will be complete, weather permitting, by next week.
The South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society is responsible for the Grade II* listed structure, which, with its stone arches, is a dramatic part of the South Tyne Trail walking and cycling route in the North Pennines National Landscape.
It was closed in July because of falling stone from the 108ft-high span. The stone has been recovered and re-used in the repair operation.
“It is a massively impressive viaduct,” said Kevin Malone, trustee of structures on the railway.
“Seeing the engineers silhouetted against the viaduct highlights just how huge it is, a wonderful piece of Victorian engineering and feels almost like looking after a cathedral.”
Lambley was one of nine viaducts on the former Haltwhistle to Alston line, which opened in 1852.
The British Rail Property Board restored the viaduct in 1995-96, opened it as a footpath, and handed it over to the North Pennine Heritage Trust. But the Trust went into administration in 2011.
It is believed the viaduct was designed by Newcastle-born Sir George Barclay Bruce, a Victorian engineer who was involved in the line before leaving for India to pioneer railway construction there. He worked for railway companies in Europe, Asia and South America.
In the South Tyne he left behind an elegant example of Victorian engineering which was a vital part of the Haltwhistle to Alston branch line, opened by the Newcastle–Carlisle Railway.
Ian Millward, chairman of South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society, said: “Lambley Viaduct is more than just a bridge. It’s a symbol of the region’s rich railway heritage and an iconic part of the former branch line.
“The viaduct’s preservation will ensure that future generations can use the scenic route across the viaduct, marvel at the Victorian engineering and enjoy the spectacular views.”
The viaduct was surveyed by Appleby-based Blackett-Ord Conservation Engineering and works are being carried out by local Cumbrian firm Bell Access.
Ian added: “Our brilliant volunteers care for bridges and viaducts along the length of our railway, a mammoth task both in labour and financially, and if anyone would like to join us, or donate to support us, they can contact enquiries@south-tynedale-railway.co.uk, or visit the donate page on our website.”
George Barclay Bruce’s father John was the founder of Newcastle’s Percy Street Academy, where the celebrated railway engineer Robert Stephenson was a pupil.
George was apprenticed to Robert Stephenson for five years from 1836 and spent two years working on the construction of the Newcastle and Darlington Railway. Stephenson then appointed him to work on the Royal Border Bridge over the River Tweed.