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==Construction==
The bridge was designed by the Severn Valley Railway's chief engineer, [[John <noglossary>Fowler</noglossary>]]. It is largely constructed from cast iron; manufacture of the ironwork was subcontracted to the Coalbrookdale Company. The foundation stone was laid on [[The Severn Valley Railway under GWR/BR ownership# Construction: 1858-1861 | November 24th 1859]] by the SVR's resident engineer, [[Henry Orlando Bridgeman]], and the bridge was completed in May 1861. Its span, of 200ft, was at the time the largest iron arch span in the country.<ref Name = "Nabarro">Nabarro, G (1971), ''Severn Valley Steam''</ref>
It was reported at the time of construction that a defective rib casting was tested to destruction under a load of 430 tons.<ref name = "SVRNews58">SVR News 58, article by the consulting engineer to the 1979-80 refurbishment</ref>
The bridge is listed Grade II* by Historic England for its special architectural or historic interest.<ref> [https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1100657 Victoria Bridge on the Historic England list]</ref>
The wording on each side of the bridge reads "[[Peto, Brassey and Betts | Messrs. Brassey & Co., Contractors.]]" "Victoria Bridge 1861 John <noglossary>Fowler</noglossary>, Engineer" "Cast and erected by the Coalbrookdale Company"
Although the deck of Victoria Bridge was built to single track width, the abutments were built wide enough for [[double track]], meaning the bridge could have relatively easily been converted to double track.
