Wandsworth Bridge

Infobox Bridge

---

bridge_name = Wandsworth Bridge
caption = Wandsworth Bridge from the south west
official_name =
locale = London, England
carries = Motor vehicles (A217 road)
crosses = River Thames
maint =
open = 1940
below =
traffic =
design = Arch bridge
toll =
mainspan =
length =
width =

Wandsworth Bridge crosses the River Thames in London in a North-West to South-East direction. It joins the areas of Battersea, near Wandsworth Town Station, in the London Borough of Wandsworth, on the South of the river, to the areas of Sands End and Parsons Green, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, on the North side. Wandsworth Bridge is on the A217 route and is the busiest bridge in London (by numbers of vehicles crossing daily).

History

The first Wandsworth Bridge, designed by Julian Tolme was opened in 1873 and featured five cast iron spans on iron based piers with brick abutments. By 1880 a five ton weight limit was imposed on the bridge and a decision taken to replace it. However, it was not until 1935 that work started on the current structure. The new bridge was designed by E.P. Wheeler and built by Holloway Brothers (London) Ltd: it opened in 1940. [ [http://thames.me.uk/s00210.htm Where Thames Smooth Waters Glide] ] This is a three span steel and concrete cantilever, 197 metres long. It was widened in 1970.

For motor boats an 8 Knt. speed limit exists upstream of this bridge, as well as in adjoining creeks to the river.

References

Further reading

* Cross River Traffic: A history of London's Bridges, Chris Roberts, Granta 2006 ISBN 1-86207-884-X, ISBN 978-1-86207-884-0

ee also

* Crossings of the River Thames

External links

*
* [http://www.touruk.co.uk/london_bridges/wandsworth_bridge1.htm Tour UK — Wandsworth Bridge]

Crossings navbox
structure = Crossings
place = River Thames
upstream=Fulham Railway Bridge|downstream=Battersea Railway Bridge|bridge = PAGENAME
Grid reference: gbm4ibx|TQ260755