Rebuilding of Brentford Bridge, 1900

Brentford Bridge was rebuilt in 1900 to widen it for tram traffic. Carolyn Hammond and Janet McNamara unearthed the following piece in the 'Chiswick Times' dated 13th July 1900:

The New Bridge at Brentford End

It is a somewhat curious coincidence that the bridges which give access to the town of Brentford at either end should be in course of re-building at the same time. The re-construction of Kew Bridge by the County Councils bulks much more largely of course in the public eye; but it is probable that quite as great a service is being done to the old town by the rebuilding of the bridge over the Brent at Brentford End, by the London United Tramways Company.

In each case there were stiff gradients to be negotiated, and a narrow channel to be traversesd at the summit. In both cases there will now be easy approaches and a spacious thoroughfare the whole way across. But while the new Kew Bridge will be a couple of years of so more in the completion, Brentford Bridge is rapidly nearing the last stage.

In this instance, of course, the old bridge has not been pulled down. Solid granite piers have been thrown out on either side of the existing sub-structure, and these carry footways and pipes beneath them, while the whole of the previous width, or a little more, becomes roadway. The job seems to have been an exceedingly trying one, largely owing to the great number of water-mains and other pipes, big and little, with which the old bridge was stuffed below the surface, and which had to be replaced.

Despite inevitable delays, the work has been carried out in a most creditable manner, and the gain to the public convenience is immense.

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Rebuilding of Brentford Bridge, 1900

The New Bridge at Brentford End