Osney Rail Bridge

Osney Rail Bridge is an iron railway bridge that spans the River Thames between Iffley Lock and Osney Lock, connecting the Cherwell Valley Line. The structure carries regular passenger trains and freight wagons across the river.

The Great Western Railway built the first bridge in 1850 during England's railway expansion. A second parallel structure was added in 1887 to handle growing traffic.

The bridge is part of Oxford's transport history and shows how the railway connected the university city with surrounding regions.

The bridge is publicly visible and can be observed from the surrounding banks and pathways, especially from the lock areas. The area is accessible during the day, though Network Rail regularly maintains and inspects the structure.

The northern section of the bridge rests on Osney Island, creating a distinctive structural setup. This placement on the island shapes how the bridge sits within the broader landscape.

Location: Oxford

Official opening: 1850

GPS coordinates: 51.74722,-1.26724

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:21