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Monday 15 Sep 2025

Historic High Peak viaduct’s freight future secured after £7.5m upgrade

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Major improvements to an historic railway viaduct in the Peak District are complete securing its future for freight trains serving four major quarries in Derbyshire.

Between 29 August and 7 September teams from Network Rail and its contractor AmcoGiffen strengthened a 160-year-old 15-arch structure on the Great Rocks freight line near Chapel-en-le-Frith.

It’s one of two iconic structures which converge high above the hamlet of Chapel Milton and is one of the region’s most photographed railway viaducts.

The twin structures are also a mainstay of the success of the country’s freight network, allowing trains to transport stone, cement and limestone from four major quarries to destinations across Great Britain.

These goods are essential for the construction sector, which uses the materials to build homes, roads and railway upgrades such as HS2.

Since May the £7.5m investment has seen:

• Voids filled across each span to strengthen the structure
• Brickwork repairs
• Reinforcement of the parapets (bridge walls)
• Installation of new waterproofing and drainage systems
• Installation of handrails and guardrails to improve the safety for workers
• Railway track replaced and realigned

On average 25,000 tonnes of material is carried over the viaduct daily.

Today (Monday 15 September) Network Rail has released drone footage and shots from track level showing the scale of the work.

Emma Thistlethwaite, Network Rail project manager, said: “It’s been hugely rewarding to breathe new life into this fantastic Victorian structure and secure its future for freight services for decades to come. 

“Nestled in this picturesque valley we know how much people love these viaducts and I’d like to thank local people for their patience and understanding while we’ve been on site, especially to those who’ve been impacted by traffic management and any noise relating to our work over the last few months.”

Max Lloyd, AmcoGiffen framework director, said: “Completing such a complex programme in just nine days at Chapel Milton viaduct was a real team effort, and we’re pleased it was delivered safely, collaboratively, and on time.

“Working closely with Network Rail and our key supply chain partners, we overcame the challenges of a tightly controlled window to complete works that will provide reliable routes for freight operators for years to come.

“We’re also proud to have supported the local community, enhancing the outdoor space at Chinley Independent Chapel, whose members gave invaluable support throughout the project.”

The next phase of the work will see remaining track foundation stone alignment using a special machine called a tamper.

Alongside this, the site compounds will start to be wound down and removed by October, and the sites used will be re-wilded as part of Network Rail's commitment to not only restore the land to how it was before but to enhance biodiversity as part of the project.