Gelt Bridge, Railway viaduct in Hayton, England
Gelt Bridge is a railway viaduct in Hayton featuring three large skew arches constructed from channeled red sandstone with smooth voussoirs spanning the River Gelt. The structure remains an active part of the regional railway network serving the area.
The viaduct was built between 1832 and 1835 for the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway. It stands as one of the earliest examples of skew-arched bridge design in England.
The names of civil engineer Francis Giles and builder John McKay are inscribed on a panel in the supporting structure, along with construction dates in Roman numerals. This marks the role of these craftsmen in creating the bridge.
Access to the bridge can vary depending on seasonal and weather conditions since it spans the River Gelt. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and exercise care when exploring the area as the surroundings can be uneven.
The structure holds Grade II star listed status, a rare distinction for railway bridges that underscores its major technical and design importance. This makes it a notable example of Victorian railway engineering from that era.
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