Restoration of historic Cumbrian viaduct completed

Work to restore a historic Cumbrian viaduct has been completed.

Eden Viaducts have completed the restoration of the Grade II listed Smardale Gill viaduct after urgent repairs were made in 2023 to prevent water infiltration causing further damage.

The viaduct’s stonework has now been fully restored and it is hoped the Victorian landmark will continue to attract walkers and visitors for many more years to come.

Work on the viaduct was carried out by Carlisle-based Story Contracting Ltd and a rope access team from Geo-Structural Ltd.

It was overseen by the Trust’s advisors from Ramboll, who led on project management and engineering, with the support of Thornton-Firkin, who led on quantity surveying.

A team of ecologists from Flight Ecology were also on-hand to help protect local wildlife.

During the repairs, 130 stones were repaired or replaced, around 1,800m2 of existing stonework was re-pointed which is the same size as half a football pitch and 20m3 of lime grouting was applied to infill existing voids behind the stonework, amounting to the size of a large furniture van.

Neil Cleeveley, chair of Northern Viaducts Trust said: “I think it’s fair to say that some of us were sceptical that the work could be completed by the end of 2024, but I am delighted to say that, thanks to all concerned, we just about made it! Our contractors worked in all weathers to get us there.

“Major projects like this can’t happen without the support of grant making trusts. We are fortunate to have engaged the support of the Benny Walker Charitable Trust and the Railway Heritage Trust;. Both were flexible and supportive funders who went ‘above and beyond’ to help us achieve our objective of a fully restored viaduct.

“I also want to thank all our trustees, past and present, whose hard work and dedication made it possible.”

Standing in the Westmorland Dales near Kirkby Stephen, the viaduct has 14 arches and sits 90 feet above Scandal Beck.

It is surrounded by a nature reserve looked after by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust which is open to walkers. The reserve was recently named the best in Cumbria, boasting over 400 species of plants.

The viaduct has under-gone regular maintenance over the years but this extensive restoration programme aims to properly preserve the viaduct for future generations as an important part of Cumbria’s industrial history and the UK’s railway heritage.