This was built as a double track 24 arch viaduct. It is 400 yds long and has a maximum height of 104 ft. It crosses Batty Moss and is also known as the Batty Moss Viaduct. Engineer John Sydney Crossley.
It took four years, 1870-1874, to build the viaduct. Hints of the navvy settlements used during its construction remain. The line opened to goods in 1875 and passengers in 1876.
Due to low passenger numbers, negligible goods traffic, the deteriorating condition of the viaduct (cracks were forming) and expected maintenance costs British Rail attempted to close the Settle and Carlisle Line (Midland Railway) in 1984. Repairs were estimated at £12M. In response to this the Friends of Settle-Carlisle Line was formed. Independent assessments, paid for by the FoSCL, found the estimated repair costs to be too high.
The line over the viaduct was singled in 1985 and a speed restriction imposed.
A further proposal to close the line came in 1988. Part of the line would be retained as a goods only line from Settle Junction to quarries by Horton-in-Ribblesdale. A further independent review, requested by then Transport Minister Michael Portillo, also found the costs to be overestimated. British Rail, after making trial repairs, revised the costs to £3M.
Repairs were made between 1989 and 1992. The viaduct remains in use as a single track line.
The FoSCL remain actively involved in promoting the line and facilities available.
Nearby stations Ribblehead Dent Horton-in-Ribblesdale Ingleton (NWR) Ingleton Ingleton [LCR] Clapham Garsdale Kirkby Lonsdale Barbon Bentham Low Bentham Hawes Middleton-on-Lune Settle | Blea Moor Tunnel Dent Head Viaduct Ingleton Granite Quarry Artengill Viaduct Horton Quarry Horton Lime Works Meal Bank Quarry Rise Hill Tunnel Arcow Quarry Helwith Bridge Quarry Siding Ribble Viaduct [S&C] Dry Rig Quarry Hawes Watertroughs Little Viaduct Tourist/other Blea Moor Signal Box |
Location names in dark blue are on the same original line. |