Path to Great Central Railway Whetstone Viaduct

The Viaduct is effectively constructed in three parts, with the middle one comprising five spans. This is separated from the four-span sections either side by king piers 12 feet wide. These feature pilasters that form refuges at deck level. All intermediate piers have a thickness of 4 feet 1½ inches. Rail level is about 31 feet above the ground and the foundations stand on marl at an average depth of 12 feet below the surface.Post-war austerity brought the beginning of the end for the London Extension due to it being regarded as a duplicate main line. On Sunday 4th September 1966, the last express ran between Marylebone and Nottingham; the local Nottingham-Rugby diesel service was withdrawn on 3rd May 1969. With that, the line closed after just 71 operational years.Whetstone Viaduct remains substantially intact, although some damage has been occasioned to the west parapet where brickwork and copings have been toppled into the field. The deck-facing walls are now adorned with grafitti but, despite this, locals continue to use the structure as a walking route.