Former Railway Overbridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A single segmental arched stone overbridge carrying the Mulkeeragh Road over the former single line Limavady/Dungiven railway.

The structure is built of random rubble sandstone with substantial abutments without batter. Well formed voissoirs with rockface and tooled margins. Underside of arch and walls in random rubble. Parapet walls are returned at right angles at end forming buttresses. Copings are hogsback shape and in concrete. The permanent way is extant without rails or sleepers. Side drainage still exist but there is much overgrowth. The bridge is surrounded by pleasant agricultural landscape.

Historical information

The railway line from Limavady to Dungiven was first mooted in 1862. In 1870s The Skinners Company were improving Dungiven by extensive reconstruction and on 14th July 1878 Limavady/Dungiven Railway Act received Royal Assent. John Lanyon, son of Sir Charles Lanyon was appointed engineer. On 21st April 1880 McCrea and McFarland signed contract to construct line for £39,438 though all the land required had not been acquired. The line opened for passengers and goods traffic 4th July 1883. It is assumed the bridge was complete c1882. This bridge is known locally as Douglas's Bridge after a local farmer, James Douglas who lived immediately north of the site at the time of construction.

IHR. No. 1433 (This number to railway permanent way but may include overbridge).

References

Primary Source
1. O.S. map 1st Rev. 1856 Co Londonderry sh. 25

Secondary Sources
1. J R L Currie The Northern Counties Railway Vol.I 1834-1903 pp. 189-197
2. J S Curl The Londonderry Plantation 1609-1914 p.295

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A substantial stone built overbridge of the later 19th century on the Limavady/Dungiven railway line. The bridge is well built, in random rubble stonework, and is in a good state of preservation.It is of local interest and is a memorial of a branch railway line.