Joseph Tomlinson (civil engineer)

Joseph Tomlinson (1822 – 1905) was a British civil engineer, primarily known for his work on railway infrastructure in and around London, particularly for the Metropolitan Railway.

Tomlinson began his career working on the construction of railways in various parts of England. He joined the Metropolitan Railway, the world's first underground railway, in 1861 as resident engineer. He was subsequently promoted to Chief Engineer of the Metropolitan Railway and held this position for over 30 years.

During his tenure, Tomlinson was responsible for the design and construction of numerous extensions and improvements to the Metropolitan Railway, including significant sections of the Inner Circle (now part of the Circle line) and the extension to Harrow-on-the-Hill. He also oversaw the introduction of new technologies and operating practices. He was closely involved with ventilation improvements, considering the constraints of operating steam locomotives underground. His expertise in tunneling and railway engineering proved invaluable to the expansion of London's underground network.

Tomlinson retired from the Metropolitan Railway in 1895. He was a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. His work played a crucial role in shaping the development of the London Underground and the expansion of suburban railways around the capital.