After a few years of rapid progress in restoring the viaduct, creating access and a full-length deck, the charity responsible for the Iron Giant has run up against issues in the project to build a ramp at the eastern end.
Construction work on the new access ramp on the Nottinghamshire side of the viaduct began back in March 2024.
The work was due to be completed in late summer last year, but unforeseen circumstances have caused a delay according to the trustees of the charity, the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct (FoBV).
John Scruton, chair of trustees, said: “Significant movement in the materials used to build the ramp has called a halt toconstruction.
"We are working with geotechnical engineers, our contractors and Broxtowe Council to secure the best conclusion, including exploring interim access solutions such as temporary steps."
The viaduct as is not fully closed but there is no access, up or down, from the eastern 'steps' end, near to Naptha Kennels on Shilo Way.
Visitors must therefore arrive via the Erewash Canal towpath at the Derbyshire (Ilkeston) end.
A signposted route along the towpath begins from the end of Bridge Street, Cotmanhay.
Alternatively visitors can approach from the canal bridge on Awsworth Road.
But while the FoBV remains frustrated by the delays to the ramp project, there is better news surrouding the project to build a new visitor centre - also at the eastern end of the viaduct - which Mr Scruton says is 'progressing well'.
Both the ramp and visitor centre are part of the Funded by UK Government project Kimberley means Business, in partnership with Broxtowe Council.
Another regular project at the site is keeping the viaduct clean and tidy for visitors through frequent litter picks and graffiti cleaning.
Ian Lambert, site ranger, said: “We want to make sure the site is as welcoming as possible for our visitors.
"We’ve recently extended this to the approaches to the viaduct and some of the surrounding area."
The latest cleaning project took place on January 15 and saw a large group of volunteers collect 20 bags of rubbish fromBennerley Woods and the towpath between Bridge Street and Stenson’s Lock, near the base of the western ramp.