Three Bridges, formally known as Windmill Bridge, is a three-level crossing of bridges in Southall, west London, England.[1] The project was Brunel's last to be finished before he died on 15 September 1859.

Three Bridges
View from the canal showing the road (upper level) and the crossing railway line
TypeBridges
LocationSouthall
Coordinates51°30′16″N 0°21′20″W / 51.5044182°N 0.3554333°W / 51.5044182; -0.3554333
OS grid referenceTQ 14246 79655
AreaLondon Borough of Ealing
Built1859; 165 years ago (1859)
ArchitectIsambard Kingdom Brunel
Official nameWindmill Bridge
Designated26 January 1970; 54 years ago (1970-01-26)
Reference no.1002020
Three Bridges, London is located in London Borough of Ealing
Three Bridges, London
Location of Three Bridges in London Borough of Ealing

Design and Usage

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Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the two cast iron bridges are arranged to allow the routes of the Grand Junction Canal, Great Western and Brentford Railway, and Windmill Lane to cross each other, with the road above the canal which is above the railway.[2]

As the railway was the most recent addition, the design allowed the railway to be in a deep cutting so it wasn't visible from and didn't enter Osterley Park as well as being economically cheaper.[3][4][5] Work began in 1856, and was completed in 1859.[4]

The structure is a scheduled monument and is adjacent to a homonymous park[6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Historic England. "Windmill Bridge (1002020)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  2. ^ "Heritage Locations". www.nationaltransporttrust.org.uk. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
  3. ^ "Is this the right way to Braunston?". Grand Union Canal Walk.
  4. ^ a b "Windmill Lane Bridge (Three Bridges)". Disused Stations.
  5. ^ Society, The Royal Geographical. "Discovering Britain - Triple bypass". www.discoveringbritain.org. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
  6. ^ "The Unique London Spot Where A Railway, A Road And A Canal All Cross Each Other". Londonist. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.