RAILSCOT | Portrack Viaduct

Portrack Viaduct

Location type

Bridge

Names and dates

Portrack Viaduct (1849-1849)
Portrack Viaduct (2004-)

Opened on the Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway.

Description

This is a double track viaduct over the River Nith. The viaduct was replaced in 2004 with a new viaduct to the east of the original. New approach embankments also had to be built.

A short portion of the southern end of the previous viaduct has been retained by Portrack House.

Portrack Siding was to the east.

Local

Between the former Holywood station (to the south) and the former Auldgirth station (to the north) is Portrack House, famous for its annual open day when the Gardens of Cosmic Speculation are open. Within its grounds is the south end of Portrack Viaduct, over the River Nith, and a portion of an earlier version of the viaduct complete with shunter on a short section of track.

Also on the west bank of the River Nith is Ellisland Farm , the farm built by Robert Burns where he farmed and was inspired by the setting. The farm is now a museum. The nearest station is at Dumfries, around six miles to the south.

Tags

Viaduct River Nith

Nearby stations Holywood [1st] Holywood [2nd] Irongray Auldgirth Amisfield Locharbriggs Heathhall Halt Newtonairds Maxwelltown Dumfries Stepford Dumfries [2nd] Dumfries [1st] Dunscore Shieldhill	Lower Portrack Viaduct Portrack Siding Holywood Siding Cairn Valley Junction Ballochan Linn Viaduct Knowehead Quarry Locharbriggs Quarries Martinton Bridge Heathhall Rubber Works Maxwelltown Creamery Siding Nith Viaduct Tourist/other Portrack House Ellisland Farm Guillyhill Level Crossing Lincluden Collegiate Church
Location names in dark blue are on the same original line.

Chronology Dates

/ /2003	Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway New Portrack Viaduct built alongside the existing viaduct during the summer.
25/12/2003	Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway Portrack Viaduct replaced. Completed 26th.