Bennerley Viaduct

Bennerley Viaduct is a 430 metre long wrought iron viaduct on the Nottinghamshire-Derbyshire border. Built in 1877 to carry the Great Northern Railway line over the Erewash Valley, it is an outstanding example of the railway architecture of its time. It survives in an almost unaltered state and is one of only two wrought iron viaducts left in the country. Its importance is recognised by its Historic England Grade II* listing and its inclusion in the 2020 World Monuments Watch.

Bennerley Viaduct viewed from the meadows looking north in August 1999, see more images of Bennerley Viaduct’s past.

Following closure of the railway line in 1968, the tracks were taken up and the embankments removed; leaving the viaduct isolated, unconnected and without use. Threatened with demolition in the 1970s, the viaduct was saved by local campaigning and a subsequent public inquiry in 1980. Continued uncertainty about its future led to it being registered as Heritage at Risk by Historic England.

On 23 March 2001, Railway Paths bought the viaduct from BRB (Residuary) Limited for £1. The following years saw increased activity towards repairing, restoring and reopening Bennerley viaduct. A Heritage Lottery Fund supported project, “Rediscovering Bennerley Viaduct”, worked with the local community to build engagement and vision. This led to the establishment of the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct, a group with whom Railway Paths works closely.

As of 2022 the future of the viaduct is secure. Railway Paths raised over £1.7 million towards the cost of repairs and access works. The viaduct is now back in public use with a walking and cycling deck, a graded access from Erewash Canal at the west end, and steep sleeper steps with a cycle wheeling ramp at the east end. Work continues on restoring the frost and water damaged mortar at the pier bases.

In December 2022, Railway Paths was awarded The Chairman’s Special Award by the National Railway Heritage Awards for the work on the viaduct.

Railway Paths is very grateful for the financial commitment of the following funders who are supporting this work:

• Broxtowe Borough Council
• Charles Hayward Foundation
• HB Allen Charitable Trust
• The Headley Trust
• Historic England
• National Lottery Heritage Fund
• Pilgrim Trust
• Railway Heritage Trust
• Railway Ramblers
• Sylvia Waddilove Foundation UK
• World Monuments Fund and American Express

For visitor information and access, please check The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct website.

Video credit: Trekking Exploration UK via YouTube

Bennerley Viaduct walking and cycling deck.