Hewenden Viaduct
One of the highest railway viaducts in Britain.
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Hewenden, Bradford, BD13 5BP
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In the early 1870s the Great Northern Railway was making extensions to its system and was keen to reach Keighley from its outposts at Bradford and Halifax. This involved major engineering works across the watershed of the Aire and Calder rivers.
Among the peculiarities of the line were the 2,28 km Queensbury tunnel, the 963 m Clayton tunnel, and the 940 m. Strines cutting. At Queensbury where the three lines met, the station with its triangular arrangement of tracks was built out over the steep hillside. North of Queensbury, on the line to Keighley across the Hewenden valley, one of the highest viaducts in Britain was built. Because of its hilly nature, the line was known as the 'Alpine Route'.
Hewenden Viaduct with 17 arches each of 15 m (50 ft) span is 344 m long but 37 m (123 ft) high. Furthermore it was necessary to dig the foundations to the same depth as the height in order to find stability in sandy soil. Built of stone, it is a fine sight, being on a slight curve betwen hills.
It is now part of the Great Northern Railway Trail for cyclists and walkers.
By road: Can be viewed from B6144 south east of Cullingworth. It is on the Great Northern Railway Trail.
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Forgotten Relics - Hewenden Viaduct
Great Northern Railway Trail - Cycle route
360 degree panoramic view - Hewenden Viaduct