Building the last Main Line Railway

Newton to the Oxford Canal: gcrcs72

An excellent view of the construction methods used in building a brick arch bridge on the London Extension. The two abutments on either side of the river are complete, as are the adjoining wing-walls. The wooden framework between the abutments was know as a centring, and this was planked over on top as can be seen in the photograph.

When this was done, the brick courses could be laid on top and the centring would later be removed when the mortar was dry. The new brickwork can just be seen on either side of the centring. This bridge was built by the contractor, Topham, Jones & Railton as part of Contract No. 3 (Aylestone to Rugby).

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