Higher Woodhill Viaduct (Burrs Country Park)

This viaduct is a vital structure that carries the ELR through Burrs Country Park up into the Irwell Valley to Rawtenstall.

One of the most picturesque spots on the East Lancashire Railway heritage line is the spectacular Higher Woodhill Viaduct, on the edge of Bury in Burrs Country Park. This goes past the site of the historic former Higher Woodhill Mill.

Preserving the infrastructure of the East Lancashire heritage line is just as important as the upkeep of the beautiful steam trains that carry passengers - and that is why the railway is undertaking a vital community appeal in 2024.

Maintenance work is required to the viaduct in the next 12 months to ensure it continues to deliver on the experience enjoyed by so many for the future. Incredibly, its last major maintenance were carried out in 1932!

Regular inspections are carried out on the structure and while there are no question marks around its safety, repairs are required to allow for the continued level of use of steam and diesel trains. The estimate for this work is £1.28million, with grants anticipated to cover the vast majority of these costs.

We are seeking a grant through the Community Ownership Fund for a £1 Million contribution toward the viaduct repair, and this why we are asking for your help, we are required to contribute 20% of the grant funding via match funding. Your donations will help us achieve our contribution.

If we are unsuccessful with the grant bid, all funds donated by the community will be used for repair of the viaduct in association with the ELR Trust objectives.