Barry was assistant resident engineer for Hawkshaw on the Charing Cross and Cannon Street Railways.

[3] Barry started his own practice in 1867, initially carrying out more work on railway projects signposting a lifelong interest in that area of engineering.

Wolfe Barry, already well-established with experience of bridges across the Thames, was introduced as the engineer for the project and with Henry Marc Brunel redesigned the mechanisms resulting in a modified plan.

Within a month of construction starting Sir Horace Jones died, leaving Wolfe Barry and Brunel to oversee and complete the works.

[1] Other bridge projects included: Railways were a particular focus and he was Consulting Engineer on works to, amongst other lines:[1] Dock projects included: Barry played a prominent role in the development of industry standardisation, urging the ICE's Council to form a committee to focus on standards for iron and steel sections.

Barry: "gave ungrudging assistance to all public undertakings and inquiries involving engineering considerations and had great influence in many ways in promoting the industrial and commercial prosperity of the country.

"[3] He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1895 and made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 1897.

[3] Between 1892 and 1906 he represented the British Government alongside Sir Charles Hartley on the International Consultative Committee of the Suez Canal.

"[1] He had married Rosalind Grace, the daughter of Rev Evan Edward Rowsell of Hambledon, Surrey.

[12] Wolfe Barry died on 22 January 1918 aged 82,[3] and was buried in Brookwood Cemetery near Woking in Surrey.