Driving along Denby Dale road, I caught a glimpse of an intriguing structure that piqued my curiosity - the Crigglestone Viaduct. I couldn't resist delving deeper and, armed with Google maps and a sense of adventure, I set out to discover more.

The Crigglestone Viaduct, also known as the Midland Railway Viaduct, is an impressive railway structure located in Calder Grove, West Yorkshire. Built in 1906, it was intended to be part of the never-completed Sheffield-Bradford route, but ultimately only served as a spur line to Savile Town Goods.

Stretching over 1,270 feet and boasting 21 arches, the Crigglestone Viaduct was a significant engineering feat of its time. Its eastern arch sits over the existing Wakefield-Barnsley line, while the central section crosses over the busy A636. The western approach embankment was once the site of the former Crigglestone curve, which passed beneath it.

Passenger traffic on the Crigglestone Viaduct stopped in 1961, with freight continuing until 1991 before it closed indefinitely. Over the years, much of the remaining track was removed, leaving the viaduct as a reminder of the railway's bygone era.

The construction of the Crigglestone Viaduct was authorized under the 1898 West Riding Lines Act, which included lines to Huddersfield, Halifax, and Bradford. It was first trafficked in 1905 after three years of construction, connecting with the Lancashire & Yorkshire's network at Thornhill Junction. The line was intended principally for freight, but Bradford-St Pancras services used it for a 12-year period between the two world wars.

The viaduct's 21 arches were designed to support the weight of heavy loads, and it played a crucial role in transporting materials for the construction of the M1 motorway in the 1960s. The eastern end of the line closed in May 1968, with the western section remaining in use until August, bringing materials to the motorway construction site.

Today, the Crigglestone Viaduct stands as a forgotten gem of the railway age, a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the engineers who designed and built it over a century ago. While it may no longer serve its original purpose, its impressive arches and historic significance continue to fascinate and inspire visitors.

Location

Easy enough access, I asked the local cricket club whether I could take off from their land, which they were happy for me to do.