Clifton Viaduct, Greater Manchester
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Clifton Country Park, Salford, M27 6
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Visit websiteThe East Lancashire Railway line from Clifton Junction to Bury, now closed, crossed the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal and the river irwell by means of this 13 arch stone viaduct. The canal crossed the river by means of an aqueduct close by. The river was crossed again by the Outwood Viaduct further north. It is a fine structure rising 24 m. (80 ft.) above water level.
In 1849 Clifton Junction was the scene of a pitched battle between employees of the Lancashire & Yorkshire and East Lancashire Railways. The latter had running powers over the LYR from Clifton Junction into Manchester and was charged a rate according to the number of passengers carried. The LYR distrusted their competitor and insisted on checking the numbers. When the ELR ceased stopping at Clifton in order to avoid the control, the LYR placed obstacles across the track to force a stop. They also placed a train on the line in order to take those passengers who had a ticket. The ELR removed the obstacles and then had to push the LYR train out of the way, a task made harder by the LYR bringing up an extra locomotive. Meanwhile the ELR blocked the other line. After a physical struggle between locomotives the ELR won the day.
By Road: Follow a cycle track, the irwell Sculpture Trail, north from Clifton station through an industrial estate to the Clifton Country Park.
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