Cast Iron Railway Bridge Over The Calder And Hebble Navigation - Dewsbury, UK - Arch Bridges on Waymarking.com

The Calder and Hebble Navigation completed in 1770 consisted of artificial improvements to the River Calder and River Hebble to allow canal boats use what used to be un-navigable rivers.

It ran for 21 miles from the Aire and Calder Navigation at Wakefield to Sowerby Bridge, was one of the first navigable waterways into the Pennines. It was an extension westwards of the Aire and Calder Navigation.

Work began in 1758 to make the River Calder navigable above Wakefield. The navigation to Sowerby Bridge was completed in 1770, including a short branch to Dewsbury.

The Railway Bridge
The Huddersfield Line is the name given to one of the busiest rail services on the West Yorkshire MetroTrain network in northern England. Local services are operated by Northern Rail with longer distance services operated by TransPennine Express. The line connects Leeds and Huddersfield with Manchester (Victoria & Piccadilly), Manchester Airport and Liverpool. link

The bridge carries the line between Dewsbury and Ravensthorpe stations.

It is a Historic England Grade II listed building with the following text. "Railway bridge over River Calder. Dated 1847 for L & NWR Co. (line opened 1848). Two identical spans on large rusticated ashlar abutments and centre pier. The span is in cast iron. 6 arched girders the spandrels of which are in the form of a gothic arcade, reducing towards the centre. The outer arches read: "Railway bridge over Calder & Hebble Navigation, Long Cut. Dated 1847 for L & NWR Co. (Line opened 1848). Single span on large rusticated ashlar abutments. The span is in cast iron. 6 arched girders the spandrels of which are in the form of a gothic arcade, reducing towards the centre. The outer arches read: "JOSEPH BUTLER & CO. STANNINGLEY IRON WORKS. NR. LEEDS. 1847" and are slightly more decoratively treated. The trusses are held by cast-iron X-section cross-shaped ties and by diagonal tie-bars. The main arches-are bolted together in 5 sections. Gothic arcaded parapets in cast iron." link

What type of traffic does this bridge support?: Railroad What kind of gap does this bridge cross?: The Calder and Hebble Navigation Date constructed: 1847 Is the bridge still in service for its original purpose?: Yes Name of road or trail the bridge services: The Huddersfield Line Location: Dewsbury, Kirklees Length of bridge: Not listed Height of bridge: Not listed

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