Swithland Viaduct

Swithland Viaduct is a brick railway viaduct stretching across Swithland Reservoir with two main sections connected by an embankment over an island in the center. The structure crosses the water in a single sweeping curve and demonstrates the engineering solutions developed to overcome natural obstacles in the landscape.

The viaduct was built between 1895 and 1897 by Henry Lovatt & Co as part of the Great Central Railway's expansion toward London. Its construction reflected the railway boom of the late 1800s and the need to connect major cities through new transport routes.

The structure represents Victorian railway engineering, demonstrating the period's infrastructure development through its brick construction and design principles.

You can view the viaduct from Main Street on the south side or from Kinchley Lane, though you cannot access the structure directly. Bringing binoculars helps you see the details, and walking around the reservoir gives you different angles to appreciate the full span of the construction.

A special feature is a skew girder section in the south part, specifically designed to bridge a weir dividing the reservoir into two halves. This technical solution shows how late 19th century engineers creatively adapted to existing water structures.

Location: Leicestershire

Made from material: brick

GPS coordinates: 52.71806,-1.17458

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:45