Copley Railway Viaduct: A Hidden Gem in the Calder Valley

Nestled discreetly between the Old Rishworthians Sports Ground and the picturesque North Dean Woods, the Copley Railway Viaduct (officially known as MVN2/160 or Copley Bottom Bridge) stands as a testament to the rich railway history of West Yorkshire. This impressive structure, carrying the railway over the River Calder, is a true hidden gem just east of Copley village.

A Glimpse into the Past

Opened way back in August 1840 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, this bridge was once a vital artery for main railway traffic through the entire Calder Valley. Imagine the hustle and bustle of early trains rumbling across its arches! Its prominence shifted somewhat with the construction of nearby lines at Milner Royd and Greetland Junctions, which diverted rail traffic towards Halifax.

Despite its historical significance, the line over Copley Viaduct faced closure plans in the late 1970s, especially after the closure of Brighouse (1970) and Elland (1962) stations. However, it persevered! It continued to serve as a crucial diversionary route for passenger trains and remained active for freight-only traffic during this period.

The year 2000 marked a significant turning point with the reopening of Brighouse Station. This brought passenger trains regularly crossing the Copley Viaduct once more, reconnecting this historic bridge to modern-day rail travel.

Photography Hotspot and Safety First!

One of the fantastic aspects of the Copley Viaduct is the open nature of the North Dean side, offering superb opportunities for photography enthusiasts. If you're keen on capturing the majesty of passing trains, especially the often-seen steam trains, this is an excellent spot.

However, and this is a crucial point, always remember to prioritise safety when near railway tracks. If you're venturing out to photograph, make sure to keep a safe distance away from the tracks. Staying well within the tree line, is always a good idea. Your safety is paramount!

These images were captured on a crisp 25th February 2019 using a Nikon d3300 SLR, showcasing the bridge's enduring beauty against a bright sky.

So, next time you're looking for a little piece of local history, consider seeking out the Copley Railway Viaduct. It's a truly impressive structure with a fascinating past and a continuing role in the Calder Valley's railway network.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Copley side of the viaduct

Taken on the North Dean side of the bridge, looking in the
direction of Copley.

The bridge again taken from the North Dean side.

Taken from the far end of Old Rishworthians sports ground.

The top of the bridge, the open nature of the track at the bottom of North
Dean Woods allows great access for taking pictures of trains passing.
Please be aware of a safety when near the lines, this is level with the tree
line which i consider a safe distance from the track. although when
trains are approaching I stand much further back than this.

The River Calder flows underneath the bridge,

The River Calder, taken looking towards Copley from underneath
the viaduct.

Again in the direction of Copley but from the other side of the bridge.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.