A 180-year-old Grade II listed viaduct on one of Sussex’s busiest train lines is undergoing repair work.

Network Rail is currently conducting restorative work at the Ouse Valley Viaduct near Haywards Heath to help maintain the historic structure for at least another century.

Ouse Valley Viaduct is an important part of the busy railway line that connects Brighton and London with almost 17 million passenger journeys made across the viaduct every year.

Almost 17 million passenger journeys are made across the viaduct every year (Image: Network Rail)

The Grade II listed viaduct between Balcombe and Haywards Heath is undergoing the work to restore and repair some of its stone and brickwork to enhance the overall life of the structure.

The Viaduct was built between 1839 and 1842 using 11 million bricks and welcomed its first train on July 12 1841.

Jenny Saunders, customer services director for Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “Few parts of the country’s rail infrastructure are as valuable and iconic as the Ouse Valley Viaduct, both for the number of passengers who rely on it and for its architectural importance, so it’s exciting to see Network Rail carrying out this enormous restoration project with such sympathy and attention to detail.

"We’re delighted that this much-admired structure will continue to serve our customers safely for generations to come.”

Thameslink trains cross the viaduct in their journey from Brighton to London Bridge (Image: Network Rail)

Standing at 29 metres tall, the Viaduct has 37 arches stretching 450 metres across the Ouse Valley and over the River Ouse.

Network Rail said they have employed a conservation expert and is working closely with English Heritage and West Sussex County Council’s conservation team to ensure the work is carried out sympathetically and in keeping with this 180-year-old structure.

In this first phase of work, Network Rail’s team of engineers alongside specialist stone masons are repairing and restoring the stone and brickwork to the first eight arches using around 2,600 bricks and 40 tonnes of stone.

Repairs and restoration to the stone and brickwork on the first eight arches are currently underway (Image: Network Rail)

These ongoing repairs are part of a wider long-term programme of work to repair and restore the viaduct.

Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail Sussex route director, said: “It’s really pleasing to see the ongoing progress by our teams to restore and repair Ouse Valley Viaduct to enhance the overall life of this structure.

“This work is part of a wider long-term programme to keep passenger and freight services moving over the viaduct safely and reliably for another 180 years, as well as ensure it is safe to welcome the considerable number of visitors each year.”