Welland Viaduct

Infobox Bridge
bridge_name=Welland/Harringworth Viaduct

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caption=
official_name=Welland Viaduct
carries=Oakham to Kettering Line
crosses=River Welland
locale=Rutland
maint=Network Rail
id=
design=
mainspan=
length=1275 yards (1166 m)
width=
height=60 feet (18 m) maximum
load=
clearance=
below=
traffic=
begin=
complete=
open=1878-1880 [Sources vary.]
closed=
toll=
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coordinates=gbmapping|SP915975

Welland Viaduct, also known as Harringworth Viaduct and Seaton Viaduct, [The name Seaton Viaduct is the official name of another smaller viaduct a mile further north, but the name is applied by local residents to Welland Viaduct, as evidenced in this historic [http://special.st-andrews.ac.uk/saspecial/index.php?a=indexes&s=item&key=IYToxOntpOjA7czoxNzoiUnV0bGFuZCBhbGwgdmlld3MiO30=&pg=1 postcard] .] is a railway viaduct which crosses the valley of the River Welland between Harringworth in Northamptonshire and Seaton in Rutland, England. It is 3/4 of a mile long and has 82 arches, each of which has a 40 ft span. It was completed in around 1878, and is the longest masonry viaduct across a valley in Britain.

Welland Viaduct lies on the Oakham to Kettering Line and carries the twin track non-electrified line between stnlnk|Corby and Manton Junction, where it joins the Leicester to Peterborough line. The route is generally used for the passage of freight trains and steam train outings, though it is also available as a diversionary route for East Midlands Trains mainline services, using the Midland Main Line route.

The line and structure is a favourite with steam train and heritage enthusiasts, carrying a Grade II Listed Structure status and dominating this picturesque rural valley.

Due to the structure’s size, age, exposure and inaccessibility, the original brickwork was suffering from extensive weathering and structural deterioration. As part of the Network Rail Structures maintenance programme, Birse Rail was remitted to carry out structural repairs to the viaduct. Traditional methods and materials were employed alongside modern access techniques to return the structure to its former glory and to ensure the long-term structural integrity of the viaduct as well as the enjoyment of generations to come.

The viaduct was built using Williamson-Cliffe bricks. Repairs have employed other types of bricks, leaving a patchwork appearance.

Notes

References

*cite book |last= John Marshall|title= The Guinness Book of Rail Facts & Feats|year= 1979|publisher= Guinness|location= |isbn= 0-900424-56-7
*cite book |last= Jack Simmons & Gordon Biddle (editors) |authorlink= |coauthors= |title= The Oxford Companion to British Railway History|chapter=Entry for bridges and viaducts |year= 1997|publisher= Oxford University Press|location= |isbn= 0-19-211697-5