Long term transport plans could bring Bournemouth's Branksome East viaduct back into railway use, while BCP Council says no decision has been made on its future and inspections continue. A historic Bournemouth viaduct could help future rail services if long term transport plans progress. The Branksome East viaduct, which stands in Bourne Valley, was built in 1888 by the London and South West Railway to connect Bournemouth East and Bournemouth West stations before it closed in November 1965. BCP Council says the brick structure, which has 10 arches, is inspected regularly and repaired when n
A historic Bournemouth viaduct could help future rail services if long term transport plans progress.
The Branksome East viaduct, which stands in Bourne Valley, was built in 1888 by the London and South West Railway to connect Bournemouth East and Bournemouth West stations before it closed in November 1965.
BCP Council says the brick structure, which has 10 arches, is inspected regularly and repaired when needed to protect public safety, and Councillor Andy Hadley said it is "important to the community and local heritage groups".
The viaduct appeared in the council's draft Infrastructure Delivery Plan in 2024 as a structure that might be removed by 2035, but the council says no decision has been made about its future.
Councillor Hadley said its future "could include a potential return to railway use" through Dorset Metro proposals, and demolition is unlikely to be considered soon unless the viaduct is found to be unsafe and beyond repair.
Dorset Metro forms part of the Local Transport Plan 2026 to 2041, which aims to develop rail services across the BCP area with Network Rail, and the viaduct could support future links if the proposals move forward.
