Viaduct ramp opens after 'frustrating' delays

A new access ramp at a historic viaduct has opened after months of "frustrating" delays.

Bennerley Viaduct, on the Nottinghamshire-Derbyshire border, became a public route for cyclists and pedestrians in 2022, after being closed for 54 years.

The Nottinghamshire side, in Broxtowe, temporarily closed for the construction of the ramp, which began in March 2024 and was expected to be completed by July of that year.

On Thursday, almost two years on from the initial reopening date, Broxtowe Borough Council and the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct charity officially opened the ramp.

Persistent poor weather and the discovery of an old mine shaft at the site led to "unexpected challenges", the council said.

The ramp has replaced steps to improve access up to the 1,410ft (429.8m) platform - also known as the "Iron Giant".

John Scruton, former chair of the viaduct charity, said: "The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct are thrilled to again have pedestrian and cycle access to the eastern end of the viaduct after frustrating delays with the completion of this project."

Milan Radulovic, leader of the council and portfolio holder for economic development and asset management, said: "Bennerley Viaduct is an iconic piece of engineering that helped shape the local area into what it has become today, playing a key role in the area's mining heritage.

"I'm delighted that we've been able to invest in the site, bringing in more visitors from outside of the borough, but also improving its offer to our residents, which the new ramp is a fantastic example of."

A new visitor centre with a cafe, educational space and an exhibition - which has also been delayed - is expected to be completed "in the coming months", the authority said.

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