Staines Railway Bridge

Staines Railway Bridge is a railway crossing over the River Thames near Staines-upon-Thames, carrying the line between Waterloo and Reading. It spans the river in three sections supported by six piers and stretches approximately 85 meters in total.

The structure opened in 1856, designed by engineer John Gardner as part of the Staines, Wokingham and Woking Railway project using cast iron and wrought iron materials. Its construction marked an important step in railway expansion through the Thames Valley region.

The structure embodies Victorian engineering values and serves as a recognizable landmark in daily life along the river valley. Locals and visitors often notice it while walking the Thames paths, making it a familiar part of the landscape that people pass by regularly.

The bridge sits about 27 kilometers west of central London and provides smooth passage for train passengers crossing the river. For those wanting to view it on foot, riverside walking paths offer good vantage points from below.

The bridge received a bright yellow paint coating in 1995 to prevent swans from colliding with the structure during flight. This colorful solution demonstrates a creative approach to managing wildlife interactions with railway infrastructure.

Inception: 1856

Official opening: 1856

GPS coordinates: 51.43064,-0.51117

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:42