Major works are being proposed for a Grade II listed railway bridge in the centre of Whaley Bridge. 

Network Rail have submitted a planning application to carry out extensive work on Buxton Road bridge. 

Opened in 1863 the cast iron structure serves the passenger rail service that runs from Manchester to Buxton and also accommodates freight trains. 

However, a major crack was found in the cast iron back in 2002, resulting in regular monitoring and weight and speed restrictions. 

Now Network Rail is seeking listed building consent for the partial reconstruction of the railway bridge replacing load-bearing cast iron spans with Corten steel and ancillary repairs and alterations. 

Earlier plans to completely replace the bridge were rejected in 2010 by High Peak Borough Council and later a planning inspector at appeal. 

The Rail firm have put forward the new proposals after discussions over several years with Historic England. 

Supporting documents submitted by Network Rail state the proposals do not result in total loss of the historic fabric of the bridge as they retain one of the original cast iron spans, and both stone abutments. This means that the western elevation will retain its original appearance. 

The plans are available to view on the council’s website www.highpeak.gov.uk

Read more from the Glossop Chronicle

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper