Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Sights > Paddington Basin
Gantry crane JLP01_10_00452
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Gantry crane JLP01_10_00452
WESTWAY FLYOVER, A40, KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA, GREATER LONDON. The gantry lifting a deck beam into position during construction of the Westway Flyover where it spans the canal leading to Paddington Basin.
Work on site for the Western Avenue Extension began on 1st September 1966, and the Westway as it became known was officially opened on 28th July 1970. The elevated highway connecting the A40 at White City to Marylebone Road in Paddington, at around 2 miles, was the longest in Europe. The construction was organised into six sections. Sections 1, 4, 5 & 6 formed the main flyover into central London with Sections 2 & 3 being the West Cross Route, running south from the junction in Section 1 near Latimer Road to Shepherds Bush. Different construction techniques were used for Section 6; the road deck was formed from longitudinal beams rather than sections spanning the width of the carriageway. As part of the project, Harrow Road was divided and the northbound carriageway carried on a second deck beneath the main Westway Flyover. This photograph was taken at grid reference TQ
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24782945
© Historic England Archive
1960s Construction Flyover Road Transport
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Greater London
> Harrow
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> Harrow
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> Kensington and Chelsea
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sights
> Paddington Basin
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Chelsea
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Kensington
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Marylebone
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Paddington
> Historic England
> Industry
> Engineering and Construction
> Building Motorways
> Westway Flyover
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the impressive Gantry crane JLP01_10_00452 in action during the construction of the iconic Westway Flyover in Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London. The gantry is seen gracefully lifting a deck beam into position as it spans over the canal leading to Paddington Basin. The Western Avenue Extension project commenced on September 1st, 1966, and culminated in the official opening of the Westway on July 28th, 1970. Stretching approximately two miles, this elevated highway was hailed as Europe's longest at that time. The construction process involved six sections, with Sections 1,4,5 & 6 forming the main flyover into central London while Sections 2 & 3 constituted the West Cross Route. Notably, Section 6 employed unique construction techniques where longitudinal beams were used for the road deck instead of traditional sections spanning its width. Additionally, Harrow Road underwent division as part of this ambitious project with a second deck carrying northbound carriageway beneath the main Westway Flyover. This extraordinary photograph offers a glimpse into an era when engineering marvels like these reshaped urban landscapes. Preserved by Historic England Archive and taken at grid reference TQ2639081701 (not affiliated with any company), it serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination in creating monumental structures that continue to define our cities today.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
