Wharncliffe Viaduct

The Wharncliffe Viaduct is a brick-built viaduct that carries the Great Western Main Line railway across the Brent Valley, between Hanwell and Southall, Ealing, UK, at an elevation of 65 feet (20 m). The viaduct, built in 1836-7, was constructed for the opening of the Great Western Railway (GWR). It is situated between Southall and Hanwell stations, the latter station being only a very short distance away to the east.

The viaduct was the first major structural design by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the first building contract to be let on the GWR project, and the first major engineering work to be completed. It was also the first railway viaduct to be built with hollow piers, a feature much appreciated by a colony of bats who have since taken up residence within.

Read more about Wharncliffe Viaduct:  Design, First Viaduct To Carry Telegraph, Public Recognition, Bat Colony, Location, Time Line, See Also