Kingston Railway Bridge

On the day I visited this section of the Thames Path I met with the local fire service who were getting their morning coffee from a mobile coffee van. Apparently, this is a regular morning ritual. I am a big fan of industrial iron and steel bridges; this is a deliciously utilitarian example. Almost every element contributes to the structural integrity with the strength of its design.

Kingston Railway Bridge crosses the River Thames on the reach just above Teddington Lock. This bridge is part of the Kingston Loop Line, primarily serving passenger trains between London Waterloo station and various local destinations. The loop diverges from the main lines at New Malden and Richmond, passing through Kingston and Hampton Wick stations before returning to the south bank of the Thames via Richmond Railway Bridge. The bridge also serves as a crucial connection for the Shepperton Branch Line, further justifying its construction in 1863.

The current Kingston Railway Bridge, designed by J.W. Jacomb Hood, was constructed in 1907, replacing an earlier cast-iron bridge designed by J.E. Errington. The original bridge, discussed as early as 1860, was completed in 1863 but was eventually deemed inadequate for the growing rail traffic and was replaced.

The bridge features five arches: three span the Thames, while two others span dry land, including a road on the Kingston bank. The track approaches to the bridge vary, with sections on viaducts and embankments that navigate curves and cross over a grid of urban roads.

Historically, the area surrounding Kingston Railway Bridge was industrial, with two power stations located nearby on the Kingston bank. The first operated from 1893 to 1959, and the second from 1948 to 1980. Coal was transported up the Thames by barge, and ash was carried away using the same method. The barge dock was constructed near the bridge, close to the upstream entrance to Canbury Gardens. Much of this area has been transformed into landscaped public parks and apartments.

The bridge plays a crucial role in maintaining passenger services when parts of the Kingston Loop are out of operation. The Shepperton Branch Line also benefits from this arrangement, allowing for flexible service patterns since the bridge was constructed. Although both lines are used for stopping services, the Kingston Loop can accommodate diverted mainline services, particularly from the Windsor and Reading lines, when repairs are needed on the busier sections. Additionally, the loop houses the Strawberry Hill maintenance depot, which services regular trains.