Ouse Valley Viaduct

The Ouse Valley Viaduct carries the Brighton Main Line over the River Ouse in Sussex. It stands between Haywards Heath and Balcombe, north of the first and south of the second. The structure is 1,480 feet long and rises 96 feet above the river on 37 semi-circular arches. Each arch spans 30 feet and the piers are built of red brick with limestone dressings. Balustrades run along the top of the viaduct, giving it a graceful outline. The viaduct was designed by John Urpeth Rastrick and built by Benjamin Baylis for the London and Brighton Railway. Work began in 1839 and the last arch was keyed in December 1840. The Brighton Gazette reported the event with visitors from Brighton and Lewes present. Caen stone from Normandy was used for the balustrades, parapets and four Italianate pavilions. The structure was opened to trains on 12 July 1841. Visitors walking the nearby paths can admire the red brick and limestone contrasts. The slender piers with vertical voids add to the elegance of the design. The four small pavilions stand at intervals along the top, each with classical details. The viaduct remains in use today, carrying fast trains between London and the south coast. Its fine proportions and careful craftsmanship make it one of Britain’s most admired railway structures.