[1] The idea of linking Newcastle upon Tyne on England's east coast with Carlisle on the west dates back to at least the 1770s, when proposals were tabled for a canal.

The prospectus for the Newcastle & Carlisle Railway was published in 1825 and construction work began in 1829 under the supervision of Francis Giles.

[3] Giles was the consulting engineer for the entire line but was also directly responsible for the principal works at the western end, which presented some of the greatest engineering challenges on the route, including Corby Viaduct as well as the next feature on the line, the Corby Bridge (or Wetheral Viaduct, which crosses the River Eden), and the Gelt Bridge further east.

[2] The viaduct crosses Corby Beck on seven red sandstone arches, supported by six piers.

The list entry describes it as "an early and important railway structure, forming an impressive landscape feature".