Cracks in the brickwork of the historic Kew Railway Bridge have prompted an urgent investigation by Network Rail, the Kew Society has reported.

Regular walkers and cyclists along the Thames Towpath near Occupation Lane will likely have noticed the growing damage to the 155-year-old Grade II listed bridge, which carries both District Line Tube services and Overground trains between Kew Gardens and Gunnersbury.

In recent months, the cracks appear to have worsened. Safety fences were installed around the arches in February 2025, signalling that Network Rail was aware of the issue and taking action.

Safety barriers at Kew Railway Bridge from February 2025 (credit: Kew Society).

According to Kew Society, these barriers were placed by Network Rail contractors as part of an ongoing investigation into the root cause of the damage.

The inspections aim to assess structural stress and determine the appropriate course of repair.

A spokesperson for Network Rail confirmed the works are classed as "urgent" and said there is currently no set timeline for completion.

An investigation hole in the bridge brick work (credit: Kew Society).

However, once the scope of the required repair is established, contractors will notify stakeholders if the work is likely to impact them.

Kew Society says it will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on any implications for towpath access or rail services.

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