Chirk Viaduct

Chirk Viaduct is a railway viaduct built between 1846 and 1848 by Henry Robertson for the Shrewsbury and Chester Railway, with partial rebuilding completed in 1858-1859. It is constructed of rock-faced ashlar with yellow engineering brick used for the soffits of the central section. The viaduct stands approximately 30 metres high and features a central section with ten elliptical arches situated between pedimented abutments, along with three additional arches at each end that replaced timber spans during the later rebuilding. The central arches are designed with pointed voussoirs, projecting keystones, and moulded imposts that extend to the soffit. It also has a modillioned cornice and a plain parapet. The abutments are adorned with shallow pediments, supported by corbelled cornices, and include round-headed niches with moulded impost bands and projecting moulded keystones. The three arches at each end are made with rock-faced voussoirs. The viaduct spans the valley of the River Ceiriog and is located partly in Wales, with the border running through the structure at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from south-west to north-east. It presents an impressive sight alongside the Chirk Aqueduct, which runs parallel immediately to the east.