Barnes Railway Bridge, Railway bridge in Richmond upon Thames, England
Barnes Railway Bridge is a railway bridge crossing the River Thames that connects Richmond upon Thames with the London Borough of Hounslow. The structure features three steel arches and accommodates both train traffic on the Hounslow Loop Line and pedestrians via a separate walkway.
The original cast iron structure from 1849 was replaced in 1895 by the current steel construction after Edward Andrews and Head Wrightson designed a safer alternative. This replacement marked an important phase in the development of infrastructure crossing the Thames.
The bridge serves as a key viewing point during the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, where spectators gather to watch the crews compete. This location has become an important landmark in the tradition of the race for those following the action.
The bridge is easily accessible on foot and offers visitors a direct crossing of the Thames with separate paths for pedestrians and train traffic. It is worth visiting at different times to experience how the riverside landscape changes with the tides.
The original 1849 structure still stands parallel to the modern bridge and has been preserved despite its age. Plans exist to transform this historic structure into an elevated garden walkway for visitors.
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