Maidenhead Railway Bridge given Grade I-listed status

A landmark feature of the town's riverside has been awarded Grade I-listed status.

Maidenhead Railway Bridge had its protected status upgraded following a consultation by English Heritage which saw more than 40 railway structures either listed or re-graded.

Built by the father of railway engineering, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, between 1837-39, the pioneering red brick structure is believed to have the longest and flattest brick arches ever built.

It contains the famous echoing Sounding Arch and was previously Grade II*-listed.

The listed structures run along Brunel's Great Western mainline, which stretches between London Paddington and Temple Meads in Bristol.

Maidenhead Railway Station, which also features on the line, was not recommended for listing following the consultation.