Privately Owned Tunnels/Viaducts etc

[Mutant Lemming]

Some time back I recall Railtrack trying to sell certain disused structures like viaducts and tunnels for a nominal sum in order to rid themselves of their maintenance costs.
Did any individuals or groups take them up on the offer ?

 

[DarloRich]

I doubt it - the potential exposure would be horredous!

 

[John Webb]

What exactly is the ownership of the long-used viaducts and the recently-opened tunnels on the Monsal Trail in Derbyshire? I would have thought these must be owned now by the County Council or Park Authority for their use as a public path. Although perhaps this isn't quite 'private ownership' as per Mutant Lemming's original post?

 

[WatcherZero]

Councils bought a few viaducts for leisure purposes when they were first up for sale but havent for a long time.

 

[Wyvern]

Ashbourne Tunnel, at any rate, is owned and maintained by Sustrans.

Description here


--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
There was this: House goes on market - Complete with own railway viaduct. the other day

 

[corfield]

The viaduct over the River Ribble through Miller/Avenham (which?) park into Preston station (I think from the old East Lancashire Railway taking the lines from Ormskirk and Blackburn) was up for auction in circa 2004 as I noticed it by sheer chance. Guide price was 10k.

I've always wondered if anyone took it on, the liability must be horrific given it's unmaintained appearance and at least 3 vehicle/foot routes under it (2 within the park, one on the south side of the river). Not to mention the permissive path (or even actual footpath) over it !

On the other hand, if you could have got permission to knock up a few flats or houses on it the location and views would be awesome. Unless you wanted to park nearby... and assuming you could strengthen it.

 

[brianthegiant]

Notts CC have just bought various former colliery lines from NR, they are now looking into funding for works to turn them into walking/cycling(/horse?) trails.
Nothing very long, will be mostly local leisure trails rather than part of national cycle network I think.

IIRC much of BRB property is going to Highways agency, maybe also country councils, since it is often bridges & viaducts in highway corridor so will be easier for Highways to maintain (or flatten...?) them.

I hope none of it is lines which might be reopened at some point...

In this regard the cycle route approach does keep these alignments free & prevent them being built upon, much easier to divert a cycle route than demolish buildings....

 

[Mutant Lemming]

Tucking Mill Viaduct
Wessex Water organised the building of barriers at each end of this structure to safeguard it from vandalism, it was then bought from British Rail in 1992 probably by a company whose title is or was 'Monumental Trust Limited' who may have ceased to trade. The viaduct is in fair but unmaintained condition.

Lambley Viaduct
http://freespace.virgin.net/elaine.rigby/lambley.htm

http://www.nvt.org.uk/ and a trust to restore them.

Still found no millionaire eccentric with a viaduct for the hell of it though.

 

[BestWestern]

Ashbourne Tunnel, at any rate, is owned and maintained by Sustrans.

Description here

That's a very impressive little photo guide they've put together, with correct reference to the 'Up' side of the tunnel, the refuges and platelayers. Refreshing to hear something written by a person with some knowledge of their subject!

I love the 'intermittent noise of an approaching train' being piped in, bet that raises a few pulses!

 

[SJDCornwall]

Tucking Mill Viaduct
Wessex Water organised the building of barriers at each end of this structure to safeguard it from vandalism, it was then bought from British Rail in 1992 probably by a company whose title is or was 'Monumental Trust Limited' who may have ceased to trade. The viaduct is in fair but unmaintained condition.

Lambley Viaduct
http://freespace.virgin.net/elaine.rigby/lambley.htm

http://www.nvt.org.uk/ and a trust to restore them.

Still found no millionaire eccentric with a viaduct for the hell of it though.

If you are talking about the Tucking Mill viaduct near Bath on the old Somerset and Dorset railway then you will find the viaduct is currently being renovated as parts of Bath,s two tunnels project which is to open up the old route from the outskirts of Bath out to midford to connect with the Colliers Way. This new route is going to use both Devonshire Tunnel and Combe Down Tunnel.

 

[Wyvern]

The Great Northern Railway bridge over the Derwent at Derby was built with a footpath alongside for people to get from Chester Green to the Five Lamps area. When the line closed, the Corporation took it over and paved the full width.

Youtube link

Actuallly this is the one I've always called the Handyside Bridge:

I can remember seeing the old LNER teak carriages crossing it.

 

[dysonsphere]

I remember walking throught the tunnel at Pill (Near Bristol) in the 90`s no gates no nothing was damm dark though. Its still there but might be reused maybe for commuter services to Bristol.

 

[paul1609]

Some time back I recall Railtrack trying to sell certain disused structures like viaducts and tunnels for a nominal sum in order to rid themselves of their maintenance costs.
Did any individuals or groups take them up on the offer ?

I think youll find that these can only be sold to statutory authorities as in the event of default by an individual the liability otherwise reverts to Railtrack/ network rail/ BR residual.

 

[Cliveblackpool]

Colesmill Viaduct near Holsworthy is owned by Devon CC.
An interesting survey report on behalf of the National Cycles Network. April 1999
Shows a structure like this is not cheap to maintain!
(Voussoirs are wedge shaped stones that form an arch/ vaulted ceiling)
http://www.devon.gov.uk/plandoc_26_3845.pdf
more recent news
http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/Bitter-blow-plan-add-link-Ruby-Way/story-15040732-detail/story.html
Edit - Devon CC hope to buy it!

 

[spargazer]

some parcels are sold off eg http://www.pugh-auctions.com/Lot/Manchester/20130425/102

it is in the Coniston area

 

[CarltonA]

The "Blue Bridge" in Newton Aycliffe was saved from demolition when the Simpasture to Redmarshall line was closed in the late sixties. There are some interesting stone carvings on the abuttments relating to the founding of the new town after the second world war. I think the council now own and maintain it.

 

[billio]

Tadcaster Viaduct was purchased by Tadcaster Town Council for £1, I believe. The viaduct never had a regular train service as the line to York was never completed.

It currently provides a route for a footpath and a large gas main over the River Wharfe.

 

[dysonsphere]

The Petherick Viaduct between Wadebridge and Padstow on the Camel Cycle Trail belongs to the council and is well looked after.