A bridge that is believed to be the earliest cast-iron structure still in place over an operational railway anywhere in the world is about to undergo renovation and lifting work.

Crawshaw Woods Bridge, which takes a farm track over the Transpennine Railway in the north of England was constructed in the early 1830s and has spanned the reigns of eight monarchs.

Historic Crawshaw Bridge is to undergo restoration and a 1.5m lift to accommodate overhead lines. Credit: Network Rail

Owners Network Rail, which manages the UK’s rail network, will remove the cast-iron girders, deck, parapets and railings for renovation off-site. The bridge will then be reinstated 1.5m higher to allow for the installation of overhead cables so the line can be electrified.

The work is part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (link opens in new tab).