Bridge to be shut for around ten weeks for repairs
The bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists
May 12, 2023
Wandsworth Council has confirmed the details of its plans to shut Wandsworth Bridge for an extended period to allow repair work to take place.
The bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from Monday 24 July for around 10 weeks. Pedestrians will still be able to cross, as will cyclists, although they will need to dismount.
The vehicle closure will follow an initial phase of works scheduled to begin on Monday, 15 May when the northbound cycle lane and southbound bus lane will both be closed. Buses, vehicles and bicycles will still be able to cross the river in both directions from that date until the main phase of works begins in July.
There will be temporary changes to bus services that normally cross the bridge once the closure is in place. These details will be publicised when confirmed by Transport for London (TfL) and the bus operators.
The timing of the works has been agreed with TfL and Hammersmith & Fulham Council taking into account other roadworks and possible disruptions in the area.
The council says that checks on the 83-year-old bridge have revealed that some of its weight-bearing parts need to be replaced and if these repairs are not completed as soon as possible, it could result in longer-term closures and other restrictions.
Checks on the bridge revealed damage that needed immediate repair
Council Leader Simon Hogg said, “These works are essential to protect the bridge, ensure it remains safe to use and keep it open in the long-term. Our primary objective is to get this necessary job done as efficiently and quickly as possible so there is the least amount of disruption possible to residents.
“Unfortunately a repair job on this scale to an important river crossing means some degree of disruption is unavoidable, and we are sorry for the inconvenience it will cause, but we have worked hard to keep this to the absolute minimum. We have also ensured the bridge will remain open to pedestrians and people who ride bicycles throughout the works.
“We are giving people as much advance warning as we can ahead of July’s closure so that they have plenty of time to plan alternative routes or look at using other forms of transport to get across the river.”
The council is sending out advance warning letters to around 24,000 households on both sides of the river. Warning signs will be placed on lampposts on all approaches in Wandsworth and Hammersmith & Fulham, while digital warning signs will also be used to alert motorists throughout the area.
Information about the closure will also be provided to the public via the council’s social media channels and e-newsletters. Posters are also set to be placed on bus stops in the area to inform passengers about changes to their routes.
For more information visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/wandsworthbridge or email bridgeworks@wandsworth.gov.uk.
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