Monmouth Viaduct Bridge, Railway viaduct in Monmouth, United Kingdom
Monmouth Viaduct Bridge is a railway crossing built from red sandstone that spans the River Wye with twenty arches and two steel lattice-girder sections. The structure stretches over 180 meters long and rises roughly 50 meters above the water, creating a substantial stone and metal framework across the river.
The viaduct was designed in 1861 by engineer Christopher Firbank for the Coleford, Monmouth, Usk and Pontypool Railway. Stone was chosen over timber to protect against river flooding, and the line eventually closed to rail traffic in 1964.
The viaduct construction mobilized local workers to place 9,000 cubic yards of masonry and 3,000 cubic yards of concrete during its ten-month build.
The structure is visible from multiple viewpoints along the river and from nearby walking paths. You can take time to observe the architectural details from the riverbank or from elevated angles to appreciate its scale.
The stone sections remain in good condition and showcase Victorian engineering craftsmanship from the era. Future plans include converting the crossing into a pedestrian and cycling route for public use.
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