Monsal Trail: Restoration plans for iconic viaduct at Peak District …
Plans to restore “severely corroded elements” of an iconic Peak District structure[1] have been revealed. In an application to the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA), plans for repairs and maintenance works have been outlined for the northern Miller’s Dale Viaduct on the Monsal Trail[2].
The Grade II Listed structure carries the trackbed of the former Miller’s Dale to Matlock railway line across a valley in the Peaks[3]. The Miller’s Dale to Matlock railway line was opened in 1863 with the construction of the north viaduct granted in 1903.
The north viaduct was constructed to ease the congestion of passengers, freight and local quarry services at the station. Today the north viaduct can be seen by the public from the Monsal Trail that is carried by the original south viaduct.
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The viaduct is managed by National Highways – Historical Railways Estate (HRE), a government-funded organisation, which is responsible for maintaining a significant number of disused railway structures around the UK on behalf of the Department for Transport.
The remedial works are planned to make repairs to severely corroded elements to maintain the structure’s integrity. This corrosion is suspected to be a result of water pouring from drainage outlets in the deck plates earlier this year.
In the structure’s original design, these drainage outlets were attached to a carrier drain, which is no longer present in the structure. Once the corroded sections have been treated, a new carrier drain will be installed to prevent further corrosion
A planning statement reads: “The scheme would address the defects and help prevent further deterioration to ensure the longevity of the structure. It is considered that the proposed works would not harm the special architectural or historical interest of the Listed Building, and therefore considered justified to conserve the viaduct and protect the public.”
The Monsal Trail near Bakewell used to be a railway line but now is nine miles of traffic-free trails. It was formed following the closure of the Peak and Dales line in 1968 and incorporates railway tunnels as well as the Monsal Viaduct to make a riveting experience.
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References
- ^ iconic Peak District structure (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Miller’s Dale Viaduct on the Monsal Trail (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Miller’s Dale to Matlock railway line across a valley in the Peaks (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Should the UK deal with extreme weather better? (xd.wayin.com)
- ^ Love the Peak District as much as we do? Sign up for our (data.reachplc.com)