Historic Bennerley Viaduct to partially close as work begins

The Victorian viaduct is 1,410ft and is sometimes referred to as the "Iron Giant"

A historical viaduct has partially closed for about 10 weeks due to improvement works.

Bennerley Viaduct, which spans the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire border, will be closed on the Nottinghamshire side so a new ramp can be installed.

The Grade II*-listed viaduct reopened to the public in 2022 after being closed for 54 years.

Further work to create a new visitor centre will be undertaken after the ramp is installed.

Kate Crossley, manager of heritage charity The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct, said it had become "a valuable link" between the two sides of the valley since it reopened and that "local people were interested in bringing [it] back to life".

Work on a new visitor centre is also due to begin this year

It is the longest wrought iron viaduct in the country and crosses the River Erewash connecting Ilkeston, in Derbyshire, with Awsworth, in Nottinghamshire.

The former railway line is now used as a walkway and cycle path.

The new ramp will replace steps on the eastern side of the old railway line to "improve access", which means the viaduct will only be accessible from the Derbyshire side during the work.

Visitors will be signposted to the open access point.

Work on a new visitor centre and car park on the Nottinghamshire side of the viaduct is also due to begin in the spring, following the ramp instalment.

The project was brought to fruition after levelling up funding was awarded to Broxtowe Borough Council for a package of projects across Kimberley, a market town east of the viaduct.