They have become prominent manmade features of the local riverside landscape; on 19 June 1984, they became formally protected as a Grade II listed structure.

[2] The west or fast viaduct was the first to be constructed, being a part of the Great Western Railway's (GWR) original route between London and Bristol.

Brunel's chosen route, designed to be as direct and level as possible, required the line to cross the River Thames twice in the narrow Goring Gap, west of Reading, necessitating the construction of two bridges at Gatehampton and Moulsford.

[2] During the 2010s, the railway lines crossing the bridge were electrified, requiring the installation of 25 kV 50 Hz AC OHLE across the structure.

[2] The arches rise from water level from round cutwaters moulded in ashlar and featuring a square span of 19 metres.

[2] The bridge is primarily composed of red brick, laid in English bond with Bramley Fall gritstone dressings.

The later-built eastern bridge is largely similar to the western structure; one difference is the presence of stone roll moulding around the arch rings, there are also no refuges or railings installed.