Iconic Ribblehead Viaduct repaired for vital freight route (RailFreight)

An icon of the British landscape is under repair. Ribblehead Viaduct, in a remote part of North West England, is the subject of 2.1 million pound repair programme (2.5 million euro), to ensure the smooth running of the Settle and Carlisle line. This strategic freight route vital to the UK economy is renowned for its scenic location. The infrastructure management agency for the UK, Network Rail, has just submitted plans for additional repair work on the 150-year old viaduct.

Ribblehead Viaduct repairs. NR

Network Rail specialists, working the harsh conditions of the remotest parts of Yorkshire, have discovered that routine maintenance of the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct will require supplemental attention. Stone blockwork and drainage is being upgraded on the historic structure, which carries the picturesque Settle to Carlisle railway 400 metres across the Ribble valley in Yorkshire. Detailed laser and drone surveys have mapped the Grade II* listed viaduct for the first time, and huge scaffolding towers have been built for the repairs to take place. “Grade II* Listing means the structure is regarded in high importance to national heritage and must be preserved at all costs.

Deeper issues need attention

Work began on the vast stone structure in 1870, and it was opened to traffic six years later. This is the first time it has been subject to such a forensic scientific survey. The inspection has revealed that, while the planned maintenance has been progressing well, further minor faults in the masonry have been found. Some of the blockwork on the viaduct’s supports is cracked, allowing water ingress.

Continue reading

7 comments

  1. At a conference recently, there was talk about improving connectivity between “the north” and Scotland with reference to capacity available on the Settle-Carlisle line. This led me to wonder about the challenge of coming up with appropriate electrification infrastructure for the Ribblehead viaduct.

  2. @130

    If you’re on Twitter there’s quite a good thread on electrification aesthetics by Noel Dolphin which includes viaduct portal design.

    Currently not so much of an issue though given the attention being given to hydrogen and batteries…

  3. 100andthirty: The solution to Ribblehead could be the same as the solution to the freight “last mile”. An electric loco with battery/diesel backup capable of managing at reduced power for a limited distance.
    Though wondering how to electrify Settle-Carlisle seems indulgent in a country that for unfathomable reasons cannot even manage Kettering to Sheffield.

  4. Malcolm….There’s lots on Twitter from an expert called Gary Keenor explaining why even Ribblehead viaduct length gaps in electrification are a very bad idea, based on knowledge of last mile batteries in freight locos. That said, I am aware of gaps in the catenary in the Netherlands where they have to have lifting bridges over canals. Clearly such features make a gap necessary, and the trains pass these features with the pantograph up and at low speed.

  5. Ribblehead catenary – was this a loading issue of wind force or structural weight (rather than a historic listing or photo aesthetic) ?
    Surely that will have been addressed elsewhere with modern materials and aero design. Some lightweight alloy or fibre in a slim transparent shape.

  6. Aleks: This is a theoretical situation right now. I don’t thin there are any real plans to electrify the line. My comment was about the visual intrusion where the current viaduct arguably enhances the beautiful countryside.

Comments are closed.