Hewenden Viaduct | |
|---|---|
 Hewenden Viaduct | |
| Coordinates | 53°49′07″N 1°53′14″W / 53.81848°N 1.8873°W |
| OS grid reference | SE 07518 35805 |
| Carries | Queensbury Lines (former) |
| Locale | West Yorkshire |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Arch bridge |
| Material | Brick |
| No. of spans | 17 |
| Rail characteristics | |
| No. of tracks | 2 |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| History | |
| Opened | July 1883 |
| Closed | October 1963 |
| Location | |
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Hewenden Viaduct, situated near Cullingworth, West Yorkshire, England, originally served as a railway viaduct along the Queensbury Lines. Being one of the highest viaducts in Britain, it has been recognised as a Grade II listed structure.
The viaduct was built for the Great Northern Railway to carry a new branch line between Keighley and Thornton. Soon after its official opening in July 1883, the route became of strategic importance for through goods traffic, particularly in connection with the region's extensive textile industry. However, the line's fortunes took a downturn during the twentieth century. During October 1963, the viaduct's use by railway traffic ended as a result of the line's permanently closure. Despite this, it has remained intact. Since 2005, the viaduct has formed part of the Great Northern Railway Trail, trafficked by walkers and cyclists alike.