Two years of intensive fundraising has finally paid dividends, as work begins on repairs to the historic Smardale Gill Viaduct, near Kirkby Stephen.
Following an inspection by structural engineers, Eden Viaducts was advised that water penetration from its deck has caused considerable damage to the structure.
Urgent repairs are required to the viaduct’s surface to improve the drainage and make the viaduct water-tight to prevent further damage. Only when this phase of the restoration is complete can the work start on much needed repairs to the stonework – at least three of the 15 stone piers require urgent attention as they are at risk of becoming unsafe.
Until the end of July, the permissive path across the top of Smardale Gill Viaduct will be closed to the public.
The walks around Smardale Nature Reserve, owned by Cumbria Wildlife Trust, remain open and alternative routes are available around the viaduct, but the public is being warned that they are steep and narrow in places.
If walkers approach the viaduct via Newbiggin, they will only be able to walk as far as the lime kilns.
“We are hugely grateful to all members of the public who generously donated to help us do this work,” said a spokesman for Northern Viaduct Trust, which operates as Eden Viaducts, and is behind the fundraising campaign to carry out the work.
“We are also enormously grateful to Alan Hinkes for helping us with our #14Arches14Peaks Challenge to raise money for these works and to our funders. Without their help and support this would not be possible and the water deterioration on the viaduct would increase day by day.”
World renowned mountaineer Alan Hinkes, who lives at Patterdale, said: “It was a huge pleasure helping to raise funds for this wonderful historic viaduct.
“I really enjoyed the 14 Peaks Challenge and look forward to walking across the new viaduct surface but we still have mountains to climb if we are to restore Smardale Gill Viaduct’s stonework and keep the viaduct safe for future generations.”
Neil Cleeveley, chairman of Eden Viaducts, said: “This is a significant moment for us. I’d like to thank the funders, fundraisers and our many supporters for getting us to this point.
“It’s going to be a busy couple of years, and I hope people will bear with us while we undertake the repair work, I am sure it will be worth it.
“Our aim is to make sure that Smardale Gill Viaduct is fit for future generations to enjoy and that in restoring it we honour the incredible people who built it.”
Tim Hedley-Jones, director of the Railway Heritage Trust, said: “We are very pleased to be supporting Northern Viaducts Trust in their project to restore Smardale Gill Viaduct.
“Looking after our railway heritage helps people to appreciate the history of their region and the beauty of their present environment. Smardale Gill Viaduct is the most impressive monument to the South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway and it is important that we continue to look after it.”
