Appleford Railway Bridge

Appleford Railway Bridge is a steel structure spanning the River Thames in Oxfordshire, linking the Cherwell Valley rail line between Didcot and Oxford. The bridge carries both passenger trains and freight services as a crucial transportation connection for the region.

An initial wooden bridge from 1844 was replaced by a wrought iron structure in the 1850s. The current steel version was built in 1927 and continues to serve the route today.

The bridge location marks a historical crossing point where farmers transported apples from Harwell Orchards into Oxfordshire via an ancient ford.

Traffic across the bridge is constant, so viewing it safely is best done from the riverbanks or the adjacent embankment. The best views are available from the approaches on both sides, where you can see the structure from different angles.

The bridge construction generated controversy in 1843 when Thames Commissioners expressed concerns about its height affecting river navigation.

Inception: 1927

Official opening: 1844

GPS coordinates: 51.64387,-1.24073

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:03