Skirting the east side of Pollok Park stands the Pollokshaws Viaduct. It is more than just a railway bridge. It’s a testament to Glasgow’s industrial past.
Completed in 1847, the Pollokshaws Viaduct was engineered by Neil Robson. The Pollokshaws Viaduct was built for the Glasgow, Barrhead and Neilston Direct Railway. Sir John Maxwell and other local gentry were partners in the company. In 1851, the Caledonian Railway Co absorbed the company.
This masonry viaduct boasts four spans. Two arches gracefully cross the White Cart Water. Another is a relief arch. The last one passes over a minor road.
Look closely at the skewed and straight ashlar arches. Note the rock-faced voussoirs. These features highlight the Victorian engineering.
Imagine the scene in 1847. Navvies worked tirelessly. They pieced together each stone of the Pollokshaws Viaduct. The railway opened in 1848. The Pollokshaws Viaduct facilitated the transport of goods and passengers. This boosted the local economy.
The viaduct carried the Glasgow to Kilmarnock line. It was a crucial part of the Glasgow and South Western Railway. Today, it still carries passenger traffic. Overhead electric power supply lines now run along it.
The Pollokshaws Viaduct has five arches. It carries a double track over the White Cart Water. It stands just north of Pollokshaws West station.
Take a moment to consider the changes around the Pollokshaws Viaduct. The road bridge beside the Pollokshaws Viaduct dates back to 1798. It was widened in 1930. Trams continued to run during this tricky widening operation.
The Pollokshaws Viaduct provides access to several nearby stations. Pollokshaws West is the closest. Shawlands, Pollokshaws East and Crossmyloof are also nearby.
The Pollokshaws Viaduct offers a glimpse into the past. It shows how railways shaped Glasgow’s growth. It connects us to the visionaries who built this amazing structure. The Pollokshaws Viaduct remains a vital part of Glasgow’s rail network. It is a reminder of the city’s rich industrial heritage.