PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have been asked to consider proposals for repair work on the world’s earliest railway viaduct – the Grade 1 Listed Sankey Viaduct.
The proposals by Network Rail have also been submitted to St Helens Borough Council as the historic viaduct – designed by George Stephenson – spans Sankey Valley and is partly in both boroughs.
Work proposed includes repointing where necessary, brick replacement, removal of vegetation and graffiti , masonry repair and other associated works.
The nine-arch viaduct is considered internationally significant because it is the world’s earliest major railway viaduct – setting the pattern for other viaducts elsewhere – and because of Stephenson’s association with the iconic Rocket steam locomotive – actually designed and built by his son, Robert.
It was built in 1830 and carried the Liverpool to Manchester railway – the first inter-city passenger railway.
The 21m high viaduct is still in use today for its original purpose – testament to the quality of the original engineering, say Network Rail.
Warrington Borough Council planners have been assured the proposed repairs will preserve the character of the viaduct.
