Harringworth
Viaduct
Harringworth Viaduct, on the Jurassic
Way footpath in the north east of the county, was built
by the Midland Railway to span the Welland Valley in
1877-79. It is 1.2km (3/4 of a mile) in length with 82
arches, each 40 feet wide, and is an impressive piece of
engineering and architectural heritage.
It crosses the valley of the
River Welland between Harringworth in Northamptonshire
and Seaton in Rutland and is the longest masonry viaduct
across a valley in Britain.
Also known as Welland Viaduct, it lies on the Oakham to
Kettering Line and carries the twin track non-electrified
line between Corby and Manton Junction, where it joins
the Leicester to Peterborough line. The route is
generally used for the passage of freight trains and
steam train outings. The line and structure is a
favourite with steam train and heritage enthusiasts,
carrying a Grade II Listed Structure status and
dominating this picturesque rural valley.
400 men and 120 horses built this blue brick structure of
which there is estimated to be 20 million, all
manufactured on site. It is 60 feet high at its highest
point.