Southbury Lane Bridge (MLN13036)

Southbury Lane Bridge is a late 19th-century bridge located on the southern edge of Ruscombe, near the Grade I listed Church of St. James, which was rebuilt in the 17th century. The bridge features three 30-foot (9-meter) semi-elliptical spans, supported by single round-headed arches on the piers. The impost blocks appear to be rendered. A stepped string course runs along both faces of the bridge. The parapet wall has a straight joint, suggesting some rebuilding has taken place. Shallow-pitched limestone copings top the parapet, and granite spur-stones protect the walls from wheel strikes. The abutments and wing walls are raked and curved. Between 1890 and 1893, the cutting alongside the bridge was widened and regraded on the southern side. The southern abutments and wing walls were rebuilt using contrasting red and purple engineering brick to accommodate an additional two tracks running through the southern arch, which was retained. The bridge is primarily constructed of stock brick laid in English bond, with some Flemish bond in parts, and some spalling is present. Red and purple engineering brick is visible on the south (down) abutment, and limestone coping is used throughout.