The bridge is open 24/7, to view our updated Visitor Centre hours, please see below. page run by The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct, sharing information about The Iron Giant of the Erewash Valley. Your place to share photos and feedback about our beloved heritage site, and to find out more about what's happening now that the viaduct is once again open to the public. Bennerley Viaduct is near Ilkeston, crossing the Derbyshire-Nottinghamshire border, and the River Erewash between Cotmanhay and Awsworth. Built by the Great Northern Railway, it opened in 1878, carrying trains across the local coalfields and into Derby Friargate station, and along connected routes. Constructed from a latticework of wrought iron, the viaduct immediately became a local landmark, and is mentioned in the writing of D. Lawrence, who grew up in nearby Eastwood and often travelled to Ilkeston. The sound of heavy trains passing over the bridge made a distinctive 'rattle' that could be heard in all the local communities. During WWI, the viaduct was bombed by a Zeppelin, but it survived with only a little damage - still visible today. It finally closed in the 1960s, under the Beeching review of railways. Standing alone and cut off from its abutments, the viaduct was nearly demolished on several occasions, but always survived. Over the years, many attempts were made to reopen it: a coalition led by the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct, a volunteer-led charity, working in close partnership with Railway Paths Ltd., the owners of the viaduct, was finally successful in 2022. There is a new ramp at the western end, and steps at the eastern end, with plans for a ramp there too, and the new decking across the viaduct makes for a walking and cycling route well connected to local paths, including the towpaths of the Nottingham and Erewash Canals. Free and open all the time, as a public footpath.
2022 also saw the start of the NLHF funded 'Bridging the Gap' project, which employed three staff to work with the volunteer team to start to realise the viaduct's full potential over the next two years. The long term vision is for more visitor facilities, including an interpretation centre, toilets and better parking - but these developments will require further funding, and a campaign will be launched in 2022. In the meantime, visitors are welcome to enjoy the walk over - and under - the viaduct and invited to watch our website and social media for news of activities and events. Volunteers are always welcome - either as members of the Friends or to help with looking after the viaduct and delivering activities. Again, please do look at the website for ways to get involved, or email [email protected] to find out more. The Iron Giant is open to everyone - and we can't wait to see old friends and new faces.
