A HERITAGE railway line is set to receive a newly-fabricated bridge as part of a series of repairs for 2020.

Cleveland Bridge UK, based in Darlington, constructed the replacement Bridge 27 for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR).

Carrying the 180-year-old railway over the Eller Beck at Goathland Station, the 20-metre Bridge 27 is best recognised as the track leading to Hogsmeade Station, where the young wizards embarked for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Cleveland Bridge is working in close collaboration with NYMR, which, in addition to the design, fabrication and installation of the new 84-tonne single span structure, includes the dismantling of the old bridge, earthworks, and pre-casting of concrete elements as well as the in-situ casting of its new deck.

Engineers undertook a full trial assembly of Bridge 27 to ensure the final installation can be completed efficiently. This was particularly important in preparing engineers to operate in a small assembly area adjacent to the rail line, minimising any environmental impact on the North York Moors countryside.

Transportation of the components involved a procession of six loads via road from Cleveland Bridge’s factory to AV Dawson’s freight facility in Middlesbrough where they were transferred to rail, travelling to Goathland for the installation programme.

Jim Mawson, head of operational delivery for Cleveland Bridge UK, said: “We have ensured the delivery of the components has been completed within the project schedule, enabling our engineers to undertake the installation of the bridge in the stunning setting of the North York Moors National Park.”

NYMR’s ambitious project has been made possible by grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Rural Payments Agency, the Local Enterprise Partnership and the generosity of supporters.

With a combination of donations and grants the Charity has raised 90% of the funds to deliver its YMJ project. The heritage railway still needs to raise an additional £1 million over the next three years and is appealing for further support to achieve that target. For further information and to donate, please visit www.nymr.co.uk/YMJ.

Chris Price, NYMR General Manager, said: “This investment in the future of our railway paves the way for future generations to enjoy our vibrant rail history.

Cleveland Bridge UK have been a pleasure to work with on this project and their involvement builds on the trust and professional partnership that we hope to continue for many years to come.

We are pleased to be working with such an iconic bridge manufacturing and installation company, who are proud to be from the North of England, just like the railway itself.”