Project overview
The Ouse Valley Viaduct, also known as the Balcombe Viaduct, is an iconic railway structure in West Sussex, England. Built in 1842 to serve the London to Brighton railway line, it is celebrated for its elegant design and carries around 110 trains daily. This Grade II listed viaduct spans 450 meters and stands 28 meters high. It features 37 circular brick arches and pierced piers, showcasing the expertise of railway engineer John Rastrick. The ornamental parapets and pavilions were designed by architect David Mocatta.
Constructed with 11 million bricks and limestone, the viaduct has undergone several restorations, including a significant £6.5 million renovation from 1996 to 1999, initially managed by Railtrack. This restoration replaced weathered limestone parapets and repaired the arches and piers. Freshfield Lane provided handmade bricks to maintain the structure’s original aesthetic and support sustainability efforts. The viaduct’s arches use multi-ring brickwork construction, where each ring is bonded to act as a cohesive unit. However, stresses in the mortar can cause ring-separation, a common issue that reduces load-bearing capacity. This problem, affecting both arches and piercings, has necessitated ongoing repairs to preserve the viaduct’s integrity and appearance.
Having surpassed its initial 120-year design life, the Ouse Valley Viaduct stands as a testament to the durability and beauty of clay brick construction, illustrating an enduring legacy of engineering excellence. Michelmersh is proud to be woven into the narrative of the Ouse Valley Viaduct and its status as a local landmark.
