Arnos Park Viaduct: A London Transport Landmark

The Piccadilly line's 1933 extension to Cockfosters, designed by Sir Harley H. Dalrymple-Hay, features a striking 34-arch viaduct traversing Arnos Park in north London. This innovative engineering solution, necessitated by the terrain, elevated the Tube line above the Pymmes Brook Valley between Arnos Grove and Southgate stations. Initially met with some local opposition, particularly regarding a proposed 24-hour access footpath, the viaduct is now a beloved local landmark. The viaduct's construction, depicted in pre-build mock-ups as a picturesque scene integrated with the park's natural beauty, largely lived up to its expectations. While the viaduct brought undeniable benefits, such as improved transport links to the expanding suburbs, it also had its drawbacks. A tragic accident in 1954, where a child was struck by a train after gaining access to the tracks, highlights the inherent risks associated with the structure. Southgate station, a testament to the era's Art Deco aesthetic, also opened as part of this extension and housed showrooms for modern appliances. Today, the viaduct's presence in Arnos Park is generally considered a positive aspect of the area, a unique blend of nature and infrastructure, offering a visually appealing and readily photographed element of the landscape.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/transport/arnos-park-viaduct)