Walton Bridge

Walton Bridge spans the River Thames and connects the boroughs of Spelthorne and Elmbridge, featuring a modern steel and concrete arch design that carries the A244 road. The structure accommodates vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians while allowing boats to pass unobstructed beneath it.

The present structure opened in 2013 and represents the sixth crossing at this location since the first wooden bridge was built in 1750. The site has been rebuilt multiple times as transportation needs and river commerce evolved over the centuries.

The site has drawn the attention of artists for generations, with previous structures inspiring paintings by J.M.W. Turner and other artists who captured the Thames crossing in their work.

The bridge carries the A244 road and has separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians on both sides, making it easy to cross on foot or by bike. Access is straightforward from both banks of the river, with clear pathways and good visibility along the crossing.

The bridge was designed without piers in the river itself, allowing boats to navigate freely beneath the arch without any obstruction from support columns. This engineering choice distinguishes it from many other Thames crossings and shows how the structure was planned to balance road and water traffic.