World's oldest railway bridge to be repaired ahead of its 200th anniversary in UK

Historic railway bridges are still used in Britain’s transport infrastructure. The Sankey Bridge 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 significant as the world’s first major railway bridge and the birthplace of modern railways.

The structure, known locally as the 'Nine Arch Viaduct', was designed by railway pioneer George Stephenson to bridge the 160-metre gap across the Sankey Valley.

The bridge was built between 1828 and 1830. When it opened, it joined the railway line between Manchester and Liverpool, making it the world's first intercity route with a regular timetable.

Secure future

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

Over the next four months, a team of 25 technicians and craftsmen will carry out the following works:

• Scaffolding erected along the arches to enable complex repairs.

• The building is re-defined and repaired using specific historical mixes to match the existing materials.

• Install reinforcing fasteners to ensure that any cracks are prevented.

• Overgrown weeds and plants are removed.

• The same applies to graffiti from the top of a building.

• Historic metal parts will be photographed in historical colors.

Architectural role models

Freestanding scaffolding must be used for repair work so as not to damage the historic structure, as the bridge has been protected as a national cultural monument since 1966.

Mark Evans, Network Rail’s Senior Project Director, commented on the project:

– I am proud to look after so many important buildings and structures across the railway network, although Sankey Bridge is one of the lesser-known examples of Victorian architecture. Its enormous importance in creating the railway as we know it today may not be well known, but we hope to change that. The restoration will not only ensure it looks good for the bicentenary celebrations in 2030, but will also ensure it is able to carry passengers and goods into the future.

The technical data of the bridge are:

• Built between 1828 and 1830

• Nine arches, each 15 metres wide.

• Total length 160 meters

• Height ranges between 17 and 21 metres above the valley floor.

• Double track railway with up to five trains per hour

Source: Rail Network