Copley's Hidden Arches: A Tale of Three Viaducts

 South of Halifax, the small village of Copley is a place where history is carved into the landscape. While many know of the two prominent railway viaducts that dramatically span the valley to the west, few realize there's a third, equally important viaduct tucked away to the east. This one silently crosses the River Calder, completing a trio of Victorian engineering marvels that shaped the region. Together, these viaducts tell a story of a time when the railroad was king, and its iron bridges were the lifelines of industry.

Copley's most famous landmark is the spectacular Copley Viaduct. Completed in 1852, its 23 arches stretch across the landscape, a testament to Victorian engineering that finally created a direct rail link between Sowerby Bridge and Halifax. This viaduct was a game-changer, eliminating the need for trains to perform a cumbersome reversal at Greetland Station. As it soars over the valley, it offers a dramatic perspective on the region, passing over or near the River Calder, the scenic Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal, the bustling A6026 Wakefield Road, and the quaint Copley Cricket Ground.

Standing at a viewpoint from Norland, one can witness a striking scene of two railway viaducts carving their way across the valley near the village of Copley. The older, three-arched viaduct, a testament to early rail engineering, was built by none other than George Stephenson, the "Father of Railways." Opened in 1840 as part of the Manchester and Leeds Railway, it was the first line to traverse the Calder Valley.

For decades, this viaduct was a vital artery of commerce and travel. However, its fate became uncertain when passenger services ceased in 1970. The line faced repeated threats of closure throughout the 1970s and 80s, becoming a "ghost railway" used almost exclusively for freight and the occasional diverted train. Yet, its story wasn't over. In a remarkable twist of fortune, the reopening of Brighouse station in 2000 breathed new life into the line, allowing passenger trains to rumble across Stephenson's historic arches once more, linking the past with the present.

Copley's third and often-overlooked railway viaduct stands as a testament to early Victorian engineering. Opened in 1840 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, this stone giant gracefully crosses the River Calder. It's nestled discreetly to the east of Copley village, near the Old Rishworthians' sports ground, and its arches disappear into the landscape at the foot of North Dean Woods. This viaduct is not just a bridge; it's a silent sentinel from a time when steam and steel forged the new paths of progress.

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