Wentbridge Viaduct Carrying Bypass Over Valley Of River Went

Wentbridge Viaduct is a road bridge made of prestressed concrete that carries traffic across the River Went valley in Darrington. The structure spans the valley floor with multiple lanes to accommodate heavy vehicle volumes on the main route through the region.

The viaduct was built in 1961 from prestressed concrete and replaced a narrow medieval bridge that could not handle modern traffic needs. This replacement solved longstanding congestion issues in the area.

The structure gained recognition from prestigious institutions for its engineering innovation and design quality. This acknowledgment reflects how modern construction methods can achieve both function and artistic merit.

The structure carries vehicle traffic daily and is well maintained to ensure safe passage for all types of vehicles. Visitors traveling through the area should be aware that the bridge occasionally undergoes routine maintenance that may affect normal traffic flow.

The bridge was the first in the United Kingdom to use Freyssinet Hinges, a specialized engineering system that allowed for greater flexibility and durability in the concrete structure. This innovative approach to construction technique made it a notable technical achievement at the time.