IN RAIL TROUBLE

Iconic viaduct under threat of collapse as rubble hits tourists

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG

ONE of Britain’s most iconic railway structures is in danger of collapsing unless major repairs are carried out.

The magnificent 145-year-old Ribblehead viaduct has developed defects which are causing masonry to fall from it.

There have been several incidents of debris hitting tourists walking below the 1,318ft long bridge, which is part of the Settle and Carlisle line and is situated in the Yorkshire Dales.

Engineers have also found fractures to some of the 24 arches, which tower 100ft above ground.