 The line was a 64 km long running from Hartlebury in Worcestershire to Shrewsbury in Shropshire, passing through several towns including Stourport-on-Severn, Bridgnorth, and Ironbridge.The line was built between 1858 and 1862 and it was opened on 31 January 1862 and regular services commenced the following day.The bridge was designed by John Fowler, the chief engineer of the Severn Valley Railway.