RAILSCOT | Creagan Viaduct

Creagan Viaduct

Location type

Bridge

Name and dates

Creagan Viaduct (1903-1966)

Opened on the Ballachulish Branch (Callander and Oban Railway).

Description

This was an attractive and large structure with two girders (150ft each, 40ft over high water) crossing Caolas Chreagan the Creagan Narrows of Loch Creran, supported by a central masonry pier (the tidal race here being less than that at the Falls of Lora a central pier was possible) approached at either end by masonry arches. It was single track and carried a footway on its eastern side - intended to avoid the 5 mile road trip required around the head of Loch Creran! However the footpath was never officially opened to the public. The central pier and masonry approaches were castellated. The arches over the roadways on either side were a pleasing Tudor arch in shape.

The bridge was rebuilt in 1998 by Balfour Beatty Construction. The girders and approaches were removed and piers cut down to support a road bridge.

A little to the north was the site of Creagan station.

Aliases

Caolas Chreagan

Nearby stations Creagan Barcaldine Halt Appin Benderloch Duror Ach-na-Cloich North Connel Connel Ferry Taynuilt Kentallen Ballachulish Ferry Ballachulish (Glencoe) Oban Oban Ticket Platform Falls of Cruachan	Auchindarroch Siding Tourist/other Barcaldine House Castle Stalker Appin House Castle Shuna Port Appin Pier Beinn Sgulaird Barcaldine Castle Lismore Point Pier Ardchattan Priory Tralee Beach Loch Etive Achnacloich Pier Achnacloich House Loch Etive
Location names in dark blue are on the same original line.

Chronology Dates

24/08/1903	Ballachulish Branch (Callander and Oban Railway) Line opened to passengers and goods. Stations opened at Benderloch, Creagan, Appin, Duror, Kentallen, Ballachulish Ferry, Ballachulish. For the opening Connel Ferry and Oban stations were rebuilt. Two large bridges were required Connel Ferry Bridge and Creagan Viaduct.
/ /2001	Ballachulish Branch (Callander and Oban Railway) The Creagan Viaduct is partly demolished and a new road deck placed on the piers, this saved road vehicles a five mile inland diversion road the head of the loch.