Abstract
The paper describes recent developments in the design and construction of railway underline bridges on the London midland region of British railways. Four main influences on design and the changes they have caused are identified: the introduction of the bridge code BS5400, the development of new materials and techniques, the requirements of the health and safety at work act, and the fundamental change in management of British rail to a more commercial organization. Examples of medium-span railway bridges of concrete and steel design are discussed, with reference to how these influences have affected their design and construction. A description is given of some recent developments in the construction of bridges which, because of their size and accessibility, have either been built by the side of the railway track and slid into place or have been built in line with the existing track during a temporary track diversion. Conclusions are drawn on how these changes have affected the role of civil engineers and how they will influence their work in the future.(a)
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