Landore viaduct, Railway viaduct in Landore, Swansea, Wales
Landore viaduct crosses the Swansea valley and River Tawe using 37 stone arches of varying widths to span the distance. The largest arch sits above the river itself, while the remaining arches stretch across the valley floor on either side.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed this viaduct in the 1840s, and the first train crossed it in 1850 when it was completed. The bridge became a crucial link connecting railway lines across the South Wales industrial region.
The structure embodies the engineering ambition of the Industrial Revolution and reflects how Victorians conquered natural obstacles with stone and iron. It remains a symbol of the railway age that transformed South Wales into an industrial powerhouse.
The best views are from outside the structure, particularly from riverside paths or from the surrounding valley areas. The viaduct itself is not open to public access, but nearby grounds offer multiple vantage points for viewing and photography.
Major renovations in 1978 and 1979 replaced many original stone elements with steel components to prevent collapse. These hidden reinforcements kept the exterior looking as it did in Brunel's time while making it safe for modern trains.
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