Twerton Wood Tunnel West Portal (MLN110915)

The Twerton Wood Tunnel West Portal is a Grade II* listed structure made of squared and coursed Pennant stone, featuring Bath ashlar dressings for the voussoirs, quoins, string courses, capping stones, and arrow loops. The innermost part of the arch is constructed from blue engineering brick.

The design is symmetrical, showcasing a pointed segmental arch flanked by turrets. The arch includes chamfered voussoirs, with the innermost section replaced by engineering brick but still retaining the keystone. This arch is recessed within another arch of a similar shape. Above the arch, there is a string course, followed by a crenellated parapet that has sloping and moulded coping stones, along with a post-war steel railing made of tubular sections.

On either side of the central portal are two crenellated turrets with an octagonal plan, which have quoins. The lower sections of the turrets step outwards to create wider bases and are battered at the bottom, while the upper parts rise above the central parapet. The faces of the turrets are adorned with arrow loops and string courses at two levels, with the upper level featuring blank shields. The turrets are flanked by short sections of plain wall that have coping stones, which step down and curve inward.

This portal is a prominent feature in the landscape of the Avon valley west of Bath and serves as a gateway for those approaching the city from Bristol by rail.