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Windmill Bridge, Southall

A cast iron trough which carries the Grand Junction Canal over the Brentwood branch railway and road.


Region:
London
Red Wheel Site:
No
Transport Mode(s):
Rail
Address:

Off Uxbridge Road, Southall, London UB1 3HW

Postcode:
London UB1 3HW
Visitor Centre:
No
Website:

About Windmill Bridge, Southall

The construction of a branch line railway southward from the main Great Western Railway line at Southall to Brentford docks called for the crossing of the Grand Junction Canal at a point where it was already crossed by Windmill Bridge Lane. This was in 1859, the last year of Brunel's life. His solution was to make a cutting for the railway under the canal and to construct a cast iron trough to carry the canal. A new cast iron bridge carried the road over the canal at the same point.

This unusual triple bridge is still in use though singled. It is no longer a double track broad gauge line. It has been declared an Ancient Monument as an unusual structure and a late example of Brunel's imaginative approach to engineering problems.

By road: On A 4127, south off the Uxbridge road and east of Southall station.

By boat: On the Grand Junction Canal.


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National Transport Trust, Old Bank House, 26 Station Approach, Hinchley Wood, Esher, Surrey KT10 0SR