Railway Viaduct north of Malltraeth

Cadw's description

Location

Carrying the main Chester to Holyhead railway line over the Afon Cefni and flanking stretches of land across the Malltraeth Marsh; c. 750m NE of Malltraeth.

History

The Chester to Holyhead railway was proposed to improve links between London and Dublin. The bill was passed in July 1844, with Robert Stephenson as engineer and Francis Thompson of Derby as architect. The earliest work on the line took place on the stretches running through Llangaffo and Trefdraeth parishes, during the summer of 1845; the main contractor was Edward Ladd Betts who came to reside at Aber Braint while work was in progress. The line was opened on 31st March 1848 when the first train made the journey from Llanfairpwllgwyngyll to Holyhead.

Exterior

Railway viaduct of 19 low spans, each a voussoir arch. Built of rusticated limestone masonry laid to diminishing courses; plain dressed parapet over a stressed cornice. Each arch now with internal concrete structural linings.

Reason for designation

Included as an important structural component of the Chester to Holyhead railway, and a prominent landscape feature within the surrounding areas of reclaimed marshland. A bold design using masonry detailing to give the impression of solidity and permanence.