An iconic railway viaduct crucial to the Peak District quarrying industry is getting a multi-million-pound upgrade this summer.
Network Rail is investing £7.5m to improve one of Chapel Milton’s twin Victorian viaducts between now and the autumn.
The 160-year-old 15-arch allows services to transport stone, cement and limestone from four major Derbyshire quarries to destinations across Great Britain.
The line over the viaduct will be closed between 29 August and 7 September 2025. The track will be removed and then replaced when the work is complete.
David Hunter, Network Rail’s senior freight manager for the North West and Central region, said: “Chapel Milton viaduct is the only route allowing freight services to transport aggregate from four major Derbyshire quarries to serve the construction sector.
“It is a Grade II listed Victorian structure and requires a modern touch to make sure freight trains can pass over it safely and efficiently for generations to come.
“Around 25,000 tonnes of material is transported across the viaduct every day. Each train takes about 76 wagons off the roads. The longevity of the viaduct is essential to the success of the economy and reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector.”