Smedley Viaduct

George Shorland was summarily dismissed as Manchester City Surveyor in respect of financial irregularities in connection with Hulme Street Tunnel on 24 June 1857. In August Richard Lane agreed to act as necessary on behalf of the council until a new city surveyor was appointed [Manchester Guardian 6 August page 3]. This included work in progress on Smedley Viaduct, connecting York Street and Rochdale Road. New surveyor appointed 29 October but Richard Lane was instructed to continue supervision of this contract.

MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL – A special meeting of the City Council was held yesterday at the Town Hall. … The minutes of the Improvement Committee contained a detailed report from Mr Lane, architect, as to all that had been done under his direction and superintendence, in securing the Smedley Viaduct, with respect to the failure of which there had been so much discussion. Mr Lane expressed himself as satisfied that the viaduct was now stronger than it would have been had no failure occurred; and he added that it was also improved in appearance. [Manchester Guardian 8 April 1858 page 3]

MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL –At a meeting of the Manchester City Council on 6 April it was announced that the Smedley Viaduct had been completed; and the thanks of the Council were passed to Mr Richard Lane, for the ability and great care with which he had performed his duties in connection therewith. [Manchester Guardian 7 April 1859 page 3]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 8 April 1858 page 3
Reference    Manchester Guardian 7 April 1859 page 3