Hengoed Viaduct, Grade II* listed railway viaduct in Gelligaer, Wales
Hengoed Viaduct is a stone railway bridge that spans across the Rhymney Valley with 16 stone arches arranged in a gentle curve. It now serves as part of National Cycle Route 47, offering cyclists and pedestrians a passage between the communities of Maesycwmmer and Hengoed.
Charles Liddell designed this structure in 1853 for the Newport, Abergavenny and Hereford Railway, and it was completed the following year. The bridge was built to support the railway expansion that opened up the industrial valleys of South Wales.
The structure reflects Victorian engineering pride through its stone construction and remains a landmark that connects local communities. Today, people cross it to travel between nearby villages, making it part of everyday life for cyclists and walkers.
The viaduct is open to cyclists and pedestrians and provides a clear path across the valley with good views of the surrounding landscape. Wear sturdy shoes and check weather conditions before crossing, as the stone surface can become slippery when wet.
The pillars supporting the viaduct taper as they rise, becoming narrower toward the arches in a clever design that reduces weight while maintaining strength. This tapered construction is a hallmark of thoughtful Victorian engineering that many visitors overlook.
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