Ahead of its 200th anniversary in England, the world’s oldest railway line is to be renovated.

Historic railway lines are still used in British transport infrastructure. The Sankey Viaduct at Newton-le-Willows may not be as famous, tall or iconic as Ribblehead in North Yorkshire or Glenfinnan in Scotland, but it is still notable as the world’s first major railway viaduct and the birthplace of modern railways.

Known locally as the ‘Nine Arch Viaduct’, the structure was designed by railway pioneer George Stephenson to span 160 meters across the Changi Valley.

The bridge was built between 1828 and 1830. When it opened, the viaduct connected the railway line between Wanchester and Liverpool, making it the world’s first intercity line with a regular timetable.

A secure future

The 193-year-old landmark is now undergoing extensive repairs and renovations ahead of its 200th anniversary in 2030 to secure its future for decades to come. Network Rail is investing £3.8 million in modernisation.

Over the next four months, a team of 25 technicians and artisans will undertake the following tasks:

• Scaffolding is erected on arches to enable complex repairs;

• Re-pointing and masonry repairs are carried out to match existing materials using specific historical compounds;

• Installation of reinforcing anchors to ensure that no cracks are activated;

• Overgrown weeds and vegetation are removed;

• Apply graffiti from the top of the same cluster;

• Historic metal parts will be painted in historic colors;

Architectural prototypes

Since the viaduct has been protected as a National Cultural Monument since 1966, freestanding scaffolding should be used for the repair work so as not to disturb the historic structure.

Mark Evans, Senior Project Manager at Network Rail, commented on the project:

Although Changi Viaduct is one of the lesser-known architectural examples of Victorian architecture, I am proud to observe many important buildings and structures throughout the railway network. Its immense importance in creating railways as we know them today may not be known, but we hope to change that. The renovation will not only ensure a beautiful look for the bicentennial celebrations in 2030, but also ensure safe passenger and freight traffic for the future.

Technical data of the route:

• Built between 1828 and 1830

• Nine bends 15 meters apart each

• Total length of 160 meters

• 17 to 21 meters above the valley floor

• Double track with up to five trains per hour

Source: Network Rail