Disused Halifax Victorian viaduct to get £1.2m revamp

National Highways hopes work will be finished by May 2024

A disused Victorian railway viaduct is to get a £1.2m renovation.

Wheatley Viaduct in Halifax will see its damaged brickwork repaired and a new waterproofing system installed on the old track bed.

National Highways' Historical Railways Estate (HRE) said the 130-year-old structure had deteriorated and vandals had caused damage.

The viaduct used to carry trains from Holmfield to St Paul's Station at Queens Road.

HRE said a bat survey would be carried out before work commenced to identify if bats were using the viaduct, and to put in place measures to work around them and stop them entering the structure.

Work will include cutting back vegetation, removing and replacing water-damaged bricks and "stitching" together one of the piers with structural reinforcement anchors.

Helene Rossiter from HRE said: "We've been looking after Wheatley Viaduct for the last decade, carrying out minor repairs to brickwork, regularly clearing vegetation to prevent damage to the structure, and installing security measures to deter vandalism.

"Following recent examinations that have shown further deterioration in the viaduct's condition, we've developed a major programme of repairs to refurbish and waterproof the structure, so it remains safe and in good condition for generations to come."

A bat survey will be carried out before work begins

It is hoped the work will be finished by May next year, HRE said.

Built for the Halifax High Level Railway in 1844, Wheatley Viaduct measures around 600ft (183m) long with a slight curve and stands more than 100ft (30m) tall.

It was mainly used to transport coal, with the last goods train running in 1960.