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Outwood Viaduct is a Grade II listedStructure of particular architectural and/or historic interest deserving of special protection. railway viaduct crossing the River Irwell in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, commissioned by the Manchester, Bury and Rossendale Railway Company.[1][a]The Manchester, Bury and Rossendale Railway Company changed its name to the East Lancashire Railway in 1845, and was amalgamated with the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in 1859.[2] Three hundred and forty feet (104 m) long, it was opened in 1846, and carries the line 70 feet (21 m) above the water.[3]
The bridge’s five arches were originally built in timber, but were replaced with cast-iron spans by Andrew Handyside & Co of Derby in 1881.[4] The arches are supported on tall brick pillars topped with stone, with wooden decking and brick abutments.[1]
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The viaduct was closed to railway traffic in 1966. After restoration it was re-opened to the public on 25 June 1999 by Sir William McAlpine, President of the Railway Heritage Trust.[5]