High above the Castlefield basin stands the Cornbrook Viaduct. Its red brick and wrought iron structure is a testament to Victorian engineering. This isn’t just any viaduct. It’s a key piece of Manchester’s industrial past.
The Cornbrook Viaduct opened in 1877. It was part of a larger project. The Cheshire Lines Committee and the Midland Railway built it to connect their new Manchester Central Station. This station served trains coming from Irlam Warrington and Chorlton. The temporary station was later replaced by Manchester Central.
Before the Cornbrook Viaduct trains had to use a portion of the Manchester South Junction and Altrincham Railway. The new viaduct gave the Cheshire Lines Committee their own line. This was a significant improvement. The construction presented huge challenges. It involved navigating a densely populated area. The engineers overcame these challenges successfully.
The viaduct is more than just a railway line. It is a visual landmark. The Cornbrook Viaduct is a high-level iron truss girder construction. Its imposing presence is enhanced by its castellated turrets. These turrets reflect the area’s historical connection to the Roman fort of Mancunium. The viaduct’s design is distinctive. It features two spans one of 205 feet and another of 140 feet. An intermediate pier supports these spans. The pier consists of two elliptical cast iron cylinders. These cylinders are unusually elliptical not circular. Each cylinder was assembled from four cast iron segments. They were then bolted together. The columns are braced with diagonal bracings and struts made of cast iron.
For many years the Cornbrook Viaduct stood unused. However its sturdy construction was revealed during investigations. The Metrolink tram system was planned. It was decided to refurbish the Cornbrook Viaduct. It now carries Metrolink trams to Altrincham. The viaduct’s story is one of innovation resilience and adaptation. The Cornbrook Viaduct remains a symbol of Manchester’s rich industrial heritage. It silently watches over the bustling city below. It continues to play a vital role in its transportation network.