'Spectacular' viaduct set to reopen after repairs

REPAIR work is now virtually complete on a spectacular viaduct spanning the South Tyne.

- TONY HENDERSON

It is expected that the stonework restoration on the 850ft long Lambley Viaduct in Northumberland will be complete, weather permitting, by next week.

The South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society is responsible for the grade II* listed structure, which with its stone arches is a dramatic part of the South Tyne Trail walking and cycling route in the North Pennines National Landscape.

It was closed in July because of falling stone from the 108ft high span. The stone has been recovered and reused in the repair operation.

"It is a massively impressive viaduct,’ said Kevin Malone, trustee of structures on the railway.

“Seeing the engineers silhouetted against the viaduct highlights just how huge it is, a wonderful piece of Victorian engineering and feels almost like looking after a cathedral.”