Devon viaduct closing for essential work

Meldon Viaduct was built 150 years ago to carry trains across the West Okement River

Part of a Devon walking and cycling route is to be closed for more than two weeks for "essential resurfacing".

Devon County Council said the 150-year-old Meldon Viaduct, a section of the 11-mile Granite Way trail between Okehampton and Lydford, is to shut from 9-27 September.

The work includes replacing the anti-slip surface and parts of the timber decking of the former railway viaduct over the West Okement River.

The council said there is no suitable diversion route for use during the closure.

'Extremely popular route'

There will be closure notices along the Granite Way, warning people they will not be able to cross the viaduct.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, the council's cabinet member for highway management, said the closure was unavoidable.

"It's essential the surface of the bridge is replaced so this stunning viaduct can continue to be enjoyed. Contractors will try to complete the work as quickly as possible," he said.

"It’s a shame there isn't a suitable alternative off-road route, so we apologise for any inconvenience."

Lois Samuel, Devon county councillor for Okehampton, added: "The viaduct is extremely popular, so we need to make sure it remains safe."

Meldon Viaduct is a scheduled monument and one of only two surviving railway bridges in the UK built with wrought iron lattice piers and trusses.

It has been used by cyclists and pedestrians as part of the Granite Way since 1996.