Chetwynd Viaduct

The Chetwynd Viaduct spans the Cork Bandon road c-3·5 miles (6km) south west of Cork City. It was constructed during the period 1849-1851 and was opened in 1851. 

The designer was Charles Dixon a pupil of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and the contractors were Messrs. Fox, Henderson and Co.  They also built the Crystal Palace in London. The viaduct carries the Cork, Bandon and South Coast railway over a valley and mailcoach road.  The viaduct consisted of four spans of 110 ft, carried on masonry piers 20 ft thick and 30 ft wide. The overall span between end abutments being 500 ft, each span comprised of four ribs.

 Being cast iron arched girders with transverse diagonal bracing and lattice spandrels supporting a decking of iron covering plates which in turn supported a permanent way (double track, standard gauge).  The cast iron spans were cast on site this was never done before.

The structure was damaged during the Civil War in 1922, and was subsequently repaired. The line was closed in 1969 by Dr C.S. Andrews and the decking taken down to prevent access.

The West Cork Railway had over 90 miles of track and carried trains for 110 years.

West Cork Railways was deemed uneconomic and closed on 31/3/1961.  Not forgetting the Innashannon Viaduct also a engineering feat.  Innashannon was closed in the late 1890s.

Also Mr. John Dorman built the Arkiden Viaduct.  When it was due for a overhaul Mr. T.C. Courtney Eng. of Cork Bandon South Coast Railway was called in.  He later became chairman of C.I.E at that time.

The bridge became and still is a Cork landmark - the gateway to West Cork. 

The Prince of Wales once traveled over this bridge on his way to the splendor of Glengarriffe and Beara.

Double headings of engine was stopped by C.I.E. in the late 40s.  Only a single engine train could pass over the viaduct with a speed of 20 mph, also the viaduct was repainted during the 50s just in time for Mick Barry's attempt to loft this 100 feet high masterpiece and this he did with panache.

The Viaduct was also lofted by German bowlers in the early 90s but from a ramp (Hans-Geoff Bohiken).

On Friday 16/5/1997 a plaque and plan of the Chetwynd Viaduct was unveiled at Kent Station to commemorate Irish Engineering Year 1996-1997.