Victorian railway bridge on scenic Esk Valley Line in Yorkshire is replaced after 143 years

The work was carried out on the bridge over a country lane on the Esk Valley Line near Commondale Station.

The section of the route between Whitby and Middlesbrough opened in the 1860s as part of an extension of the line from Battersby to Grosmont.

Barnsley-based engineering specialists AmcoGiffen were contracted to carry out the work for Network Rail. A new concrete deck has now been installed and services have resumed.

Around 160 metres of track was also renewed with supporting ballast and sleepers.

Network Rail asset engineer Colin Freeburn said: “This bridge has reliably served passengers travelling between Whitby and Middlesbrough for the past 143 years, but it’s time for its next chapter.

“Replacing the bridge and the tracks will allow people to enjoy journeys along the Esk Valley Line well into the future and help to maintain this route which is so well-loved by the community.”