Former railway bridge, Ballydyan Road, Ballydyan, Ballynahinch, Co Down

This is a single-span road bridge, built in 1857-58, carrying the Ballydyan Road over the former Belfast & County Down Railway line, approximately three miles northeast of Ballynahinch. The railway line was closed in 1950. The bridge is considered of special interest for its style, proportion, intact plan form, structural system, and local historical significance, and is an example of industrial archaeological interest.

The bridge is largely constructed of squared fieldstone, with sandstone used for the parapet coping, the elliptical arch’s voussoirs, and string courses at road level and where the arch springs. Large abutments with sandstone coping and squat end piers are positioned on either side of the arch. Corrugated sheeting now largely covers the arch, which is currently used as a cattle shed, with a door located on the southern side. Both faces of the bridge are heavily overgrown with ivy.

The bridge was built as part of the Belfast & County Down Railway Company’s line to Ballynahinch. It was likely designed by Sir John MacNeill, the company’s chief engineer, and constructed by Patrick Moore. The listing includes the bridge and its side walls.