Shoreham Viaduct, photographed on 6th October 2007. photograph by Gregory Beecroft

One of the longest river bridges on the Southern, at about 350 yards, is Shoreham Viaduct, over the River Adur. It is carries the West Coatway line, which opened from Shoreham to Worthing in 1845.

Shoreham Viaduct. photograph by Gregory Beecroft

The original viaduct had cast iron spans on timber trestles, but the present structure has fourteen plate girder spans on pairs of cast-iron columns, plus short end spans onto brick abutments.

Shoreham Viaduct. photograph by Gregory Beecroft

Slung from the main girders are riveted cross-beams, which support lateral beams. The original lateral beams have been replaced with welded steel ones, to which the deck is bolted.

Shoreham Viaduct. photograph by Gregory Beecroft

One of the cast iron columns (right) has suffered damage and has been strengthened with steel plates.