The disused soon to be re-used Castfield Viaduct, featuring Abandon't

[@Rail_Focus]

Abandon't on KZbin: kzbin.info/door/x_RI5CyUmWjtMQJGaZTbqQ

[@NonstopEurotrip]

That's certainly a right Hodge-podge of railways, bridges and, canals round there for sure. Manchester just needs a mega underground main through station 😆

[@Rail_Focus]

It really is crazy, difficult to capture the scale without a drone. Definitely needs an underground station!

[@ManicXD]

Sounds like it was also inspired by the High Line in NYC, which proved that such parks aren't only viable uses of the infra but can also become major attractions in their own right. Will be fascinating to see what it looks like when completed!

[@Rail_Focus]

Hopefully we'll be able to take a look once it's open. I think the first phase is due to open in a couple of weeks.

[@marcelwiszowaty1751]

The Promenade Plantée in Paris predated the High Line by some years... I first visited it in 1996. Well worth a visit and of course *much* closer than NYC!

[@bobsrailrelics]

Think it is such a great use for a viaduct which has no real future use. The ones on Paris are massive and seriously interesting. We need more of these so we can preserve more infrastructure at risk.

[@Rail_Focus]

It's a good idea and makes sense given the local, hopefully once finished in full people will be able to walk from one end to the other.

[@Rail_Focus]

Intro music by Steve kzbin.info

[@Andrewjg_89]

I think that the disused former railway bridge could be used as a public footpath and nature reserve in Central Manchester. Not forgetting Camden Town in North London that the former railway bridge could be used for the public.

[@Rail_Focus]

I think eventually you will be able to walk from Deansgate Castlfield to Cornbrook, which is from one end of the viaduct to the other.

[@Andrewjg_89]

@@Rail_Focus Nice

[@railfangig6699]

I’m sure it’ll be great success but in these environmental times old railway infrastructure should be protected for future rail use especially where it’s in a city centre or town for freight traffic.

[@Rail_Focus]

Hopefully this will secure the structure's future and ensure it's maintained. But definitely shouldn't be the norm, if a structure could be useful for rail capacity it should stay in the hands of Network Rail and be maintained by them. I don't think this viaduct would add any meaningful capacity though, as the main pinch point is between Oxford Rd and Piccadilly

[@Miekhael]

Very cool that they are converting it to a park. I am curious, have there been any steps taken to maintain that bridge?

[@Rail_Focus]

I can only assume they'll continue to monitor the bridge to make sure it's structurally sound. It's built out of thick iron so the rust may just be superficial.