Work has now begun on North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) landmark Bridge 27. These works are the first in a series of scheduled vital repairs for the world-famous visitor attraction and popular movie location, as part of its Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey (YMJ) project.

Carrying the 180-year-old railway over the Eller Beck at Goathland Station, the 20-metre Bridge 27 is best recognised as the iconic track leading to Hogsmeade Station, where the young wizards embarked for Hogwarts in the first Harry Potter movie, The Philosopher’s Stone.

The 84 tonne, single span bridge is being constructed at Cleveland Bridge UK’s 27,000m² factory in Darlington, which has the capacity to enable its engineers to undertake a full trial assembly of the structure. This ensures a more efficient final installation when the bridge components are transported by road to Middlesbrough and then via rail to Goathland in the New Year.

Jim Mawson, Head of Operational Delivery for Cleveland Bridge UK, said: “We are exceptionally proud to be part of such a landmark restoration project at one of the most iconic heritage railway lines in the world. It’s really pleasing to see our contemporary production methods using modern materials so perfectly blended with the classic design of this bridge to ensure it fits seamlessly into its North Yorkshire National Park surroundings.”

NYMR’s ambitious project has been made possible by grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Rural Payments Agency, the Local Enterprise Partnership and the generosity of supporters.

John Bailey, NYMR Trust Chairman, said: “The restoration of Bridge 27 marks the beginning of our exciting plans to preserve the railway’s historical infrastructure and assets and improve visitor services and experiences for future generations to come.

“Everyone at the railway would like to thank the grant funding agencies and our generous donors who’ve made it possible. These are exciting times for everyone who cares for the railway, our visitors, supporters, staff and volunteers. This is the most ambitious project we’ve ever undertaken and will build on our successful growth in recent years, so we can all achieve even more in the future.”

With a combination of donations and grants the Charity has raised 90% of the funds to deliver its YMJ project. The heritage railway still needs to raise an additional £1 million over the next three years and is appealing for further support to achieve that target.

Picture Credit: Charlotte Graham

 

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The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is an award-winning charitable trust that carries 300,000 unique passengers every year. It is Britain’s most popular heritage railway and is one of the best visitor attractions in the North East. www.nymr.co.uk/YMJ

The NYMR trust relies heavily on donations and the work of its many volunteers. The 180-year old railway needs to raise £1million by 2022 so its railway bridges and its 50-100-year-old vehicles can remain viable.

• The NYMR cares for operating and developing the railway it owns from Pickering to Grosmont.
• The heritage railway operates over Network Rail from Grosmont to Whitby.
• The charity provides a high quality, safe and authentic evocation of the steam age for the public.
• The NYMR is an Educational Charitable Trust. Providing education for all ages.
• The railway is a fully accredited museum.

Cleveland Bridge UK Ltd’s principal activity is the fabrication and erection of steel bridges, high-rise buildings and other steel structures. The company has more than 150 years’ experience in delivering these structures around the world.

With the capacity to process 1000 tonnes of steel per week, the company operates a 22-acre site in Darlington, County Durham, which features a 27,000 square metre fabrication facility and a paint facility design for the application of high-specification paint systems.

The Cleveland Bridge Group is part of the Al Rashaid Group and is a market leading International engineering organisation with sites strategically located in the UK, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, China and India. Specialising in bridges, complex steel structures, design and construction services, together it has in excess of 1000 employees and a capacity of more than 150,000 tonnes per annum. www.clevelandbridge.com

The National Lottery Heritage Fund: Using money raised by the National Lottery, we inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk.

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund