Isn’t it impressive? Bushey Arches Railway Viaduct stands tall. It carries the West Coast Main Line. This is immediately north of Bushey railway station. It sits between Bushey and Watford. We are in Hertfordshire, just northwest of London.
Let’s delve into its design. The Bushey Arches Railway Viaduct features five yellow brick and stone arches. It carries the railway over the London to Watford road. Each arch spans roughly 30 feet. Each also rises about 25 feet. The bridge is about 123 yards long. Notice the insides of the arches. They are rusticated stone. The central arch, the one over the road, is skewed. It has a prominent parapet. Below is a protruding stone band. Impost bands mark where the arches meet the piers. All these features are in stone.
The Bushey Arches Railway Viaduct is a local landmark. Its design mirrors the Colne Viaduct. That’s the next major structure on the line toward Birmingham.
Now for a bit of history. Robert Stephenson built this viaduct. It was for the London and Birmingham Railway. This was the world’s first long-distance railway. The railway fully opened in 1838. Construction spanned from 1834 to 1837. Later, the railway was quadrupled, starting in 1858. That year, an iron span appeared next to the Bushey Arches Railway Viaduct on its east side. This expanded in 1875. It was then replaced in the 20th century. Now a steel bridge deck exists. It is supported by brick and stone piers.
Did you know another viaduct was built in 1862? It curves away from the Bushey Arches Railway Viaduct. It’s at the southern end. This one is built of blue brick. It carries the Watford DC line. It heads towards Watford High Street railway station.
The Bushey Arches Railway Viaduct was captured in lithographs. John Cooke Bourne created them in 1838. They were part of a series on the London and Birmingham Railway.
Take a look beneath the main arch. There’s a Second World War pillbox. It was part of the Outer London Defence Ring. This ring was a series of obstacles. It was designed to slow down an invading army. The army would be heading towards London.
The viaduct gained Grade II listed building status in 1983. This gives it legal protection. It prevents unauthorized demolition or changes.
The Bushey Arches Railway Viaduct stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity. It is a landmark that has seen vast changes. It has silently witnessed the evolution of rail transport. Its arches echo stories of innovation and resilience. It is a vital part of our local history.