Leahurst Aqueduct

Canal drained for refurbishment of aqueduct

Before refurbishment

near Cromford, Derbyshire

The name 'Leahurst Aqueduct' is not widely-used, but neither is the alternative 'Leawood Railway Aqueduct'.

This trussed cast iron aqueduct was constructed between 1847 and 1849, to allow the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midlands Junction Railway to pass under the Cromford Canal.

The design has been variously ascribed to George or Robert Stephenson or Thomas Gooch.

On the non-towpath side of the aqueduct sits a long flanged and webbed cast iron beam. This serves no obvious purpose beyond providing an example of the unidentified foundry's capabilities. It was probably intended to support another towpath if the requirement should arise.

Strengthening work was undertaken in 2011, and the towpath was widened and supported from the abutments by steel beams.

1847 Advert: 'TO CONTRACTORS AND BUILDERS. THE Directors of the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock, and Midlands’ Junction Railway Company are prepared to receive Tenders for the erection and fixing a cast-iron bridge over the river Derwent, at the north end of the intended Lea-wood Tunnel, and at 3 miles and 57 chains from Ambergate, with two stone land piers, including all masonry, piling, and other necessary works, but exclusive of the iron for the bridge, which will be provided by the Company. Also for the erection and fixing of two aqueducts to carry the Cromford Canal over the railway, one at each end of the said intended Lea-wood Tunnel, including all excavations and masonry and other necessary works, but exclusive of the cast-iron tanks, which will be provided by the Company. Drawings and specifications of the proposed works may may be seen at the Engineer’s office at Cromford, from the 11th of February instant to the 3rd of March next; and tenders, in a form to be obtained at the Secretary's office at Matlock, must be delivered there, sealed, and marked “Tender for Bridge and Aqueducts,” or before twelve o’clock of the latter-named day. ....'

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