The Halifax Wheatley Viaduct, a notable historical structure, has undergone extensive renovation, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
- Contractor AmcoGiffen executed a thorough £1.2M renovation under National Highways’ supervision.
- Key refurbishments include masonry repairs, waterproofing, and enhanced drainage systems.
- Ecological measures were implemented to protect local bat populations during restoration work.
- The viaduct’s restoration reinforces its historical significance and safety for the community.
The significant renovation of the 180-year-old Wheatley Viaduct in Halifax has successfully culminated in a comprehensive £1.2M overhaul, directed by contractor AmcoGiffen. Acting under the stewardship of National Highways, responsible for the Historical Railways Estate, this project addresses the deterioration challenges that had beset this vital architectural landmark.
Central to the restoration efforts were repairs to the masonry, along with the installation of a new waterproofing system. Throughout the project, displaced or damaged masonry required meticulous rebedding, with areas of water-damaged brickwork and masonry being systematically replaced. The introduction of a robust drainage system along the viaduct’s deck enhances the structural integrity and prevents future water infiltrations.
The Wheatley Viaduct, constructed in 1844 for the Halifax High Level Railway, originally served coal transport routes. Despite its closure to the public since the 1960s, due to safety concerns, the viaduct has remained a significant part of the local landscape. Past years have seen instances of trespass and vandalism, signifying the necessity of such a restoration venture to secure its future.
Mindful of the ecological landscape, the restoration project incorporated environmental measures to safeguard bat habitats. Ecologists carried out detailed surveys and, consequentially, integrated four bat boxes and retained 95 bat crevices within the viaduct structure to facilitate bat habitation during hibernation seasons.
Reflecting on the project’s complex logistics, AmcoGiffen’s Dave Martin remarked on the substantial workload, highlighting the completion of over 2000 metres of repointing, 100 metres of fracture repairs, and installation of more than 200 anchors. Additionally, 1600 square metres of the deck were stripped, waterproofed, and reinstated, demonstrating the project’s expansive scope.
The completed restoration of the Wheatley Viaduct not only preserves a key historical structure but also ensures its safety and relevance for years to come.
