The viaduct was designed by John Urpeth Rastrick in collaboration with architect David Mocatta.
Each of the 37 arches is flanked by hollow square pillars, a design choice intended to reduce weight and material costs.
The structure functions as a bridge for the mainline railway connecting London to Brighton.
Despite being a functional piece of railway infrastructure, it is renowned for its decorative Italianate features rather than purely utilitarian industrial design.
The 11 million bricks used were shipped across the English Channel to Shoreham-by-Sea before being transported to the site.
The viaduct has featured in various television productions and films due to its distinctive repetitive geometry.
It is currently owned and maintained by Network Rail.
The Ouse Valley Viaduct, also known as the Balcombe Viaduct, is a mid-19th-century railway bridge spanning the Ouse Valley in West Sussex. Constructed in 1841 by the London and Brighton Railway, it features 37 semi-circular brick arches. The design incorporates elegant Italianate pedestals at each pier, topped with stone balustrades. Spanning approximately 1,475 feet in length, the structure remains an active part of the Brighton Main Line railway network. It was built using approximately 11 million red bricks imported from the Netherlands. The viaduct is a Grade II* listed structure, recognized for its exceptional engineering and aesthetic architectural detailing. It crosses the River Ouse at a height of 96 feet above the valley floor.
From the valley floor looking directly through the alignment of the arches to capture the repeating geometric patterns.
Access the site via the public footpaths that cross beneath the viaduct arches for the best perspective.
Wear waterproof footwear, as the surrounding fields and paths can become muddy depending on recent rainfall.
There are no facilities or amenities on-site, so carry necessary water and provisions.
Do not attempt to park on the narrow country lanes leading to the site; utilize designated laybys or nearby public parking areas.
Respect the active railway line above; do not attempt to climb the structure or access the tracks.
