Timetable Announced for Kew Towpath Repair
Part of riverside walk was washed away in heavy rains
The damaged towpath near Kew Gardens. Picture: Richmond Council
December 9, 2024
Repairs to a section of the Thames Path in Kew are set to begin early next year, after it collapsed into the water in October. The popular walking route will remain shut between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens while the works are carried out, which are expected to be completed in summer.
Richmond Council, which is leading the project, said the collapse of the towpath on 19 October was likely caused by high winds and river levels, although it is still investigating the incident. It will carry out emergency works in the coming weeks to reduce further damage to the towpath, before beginning permanent repairs to reopen it.
Lib Dem councillor Alexander Ehmann, chair of the transport committee, said the repairs will be ‘incredibly complex’ and are expected to cost millions of pounds. Councillor Ehmann said, “The immediate priority of this council was to secure this location, but now our attention is firmly fixed on the implementation of repairs to reinstate this important asset.
“Permanent repair works are expected to start in early 2025 and the aspiration is to get this back in place by the summer of next year. We’ll share further details including when the towpath is likely to reopen as we have more certainty, but in the meantime we will be implementing emergency works in the coming weeks to further reduce the damage to the towpath.”
He urged residents not to try to access the towpath, which has been fenced off at either end, as it is not safe. The council has installed diversion signs and published details of alternative routes on its website.
Councillor Ehmann added, “This is a complex job on an important asset for the borough and we are working so hard to make sure we restore this stretch of the towpath as quickly as possible. With our developing towpath improvement and maintenance strategy, we will also be able to make sure that our residents and visitors can enjoy this much-loved asset across the whole borough in the face of these climate change pressures for many years to come.”
Further details about the works and expected completion date will be revealed in due course.
Charlotte Lilywhite - Local Democracy Reporter
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