Contractor begins bridge work on North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Cleveland Bridge has begun replacing the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) landmark Bridge 27, which is the first in a series of scheduled vital repairs for the famous visitor attraction and popular movie location.

Carrying the 180-year-old railway over the Eller Beck at Goathland Station, the 20m-long 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 84t, single span bridge is being constructed at Cleveland Bridge’s factory in Darlington, which has the capacity to enable its engineers to undertake a full trial assembly of the structure.

Cleveland Bridge is undertaking a full turn-key package for the project including the dismantling and removal of the old structure, earthworks, pre-casting of concrete elements, installation of the new structure and in-situ casting of the new deck.

Jim Mawson, Head of Operational Delivery for Cleveland Bridge 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.”