More headaches for London drivers as Vauxhall Bridge closes for three months
Drivers face travel chaos for three months from this Sunday as Vauxhall Bridge closes for essential maintenance.
The 116-year-old-bridge needs safety-critical repair and will be closed to traffic until November.
Only walkers and cyclists will be able to use it – and southbound buses.
Transport for London (TfL) is encouraging road users to check before they travel in the area.
The vital work includes bridge deck waterproofing, resurfacing the footway and carriageway, drainage improvements, kerb works and replacing the bridge’s expansion joints.
The structural metalwork and bearings is corroding and finishing the work will allow further repairs to the underside of the bridge at a later date.
Vauxhall Bridge will be closed to general traffic in both directions and vehicles will be diverted.
This may lead to extended journey times, so if drivers need to go through the area, they are advised to travel outside of the rush hour peaks in the morning and afternoon.
Those planning to drive through are advised to look for other routes. Drivers will find that the quietest times are between 10am and 3pm, or after 7pm, while public transport users will find it’s better to travel between 8.15am and 4pm and after 5.30pm on week days and before noon and after 6pm at weekends.
Nick Fairholme, director of project and programme delivery at TfL, said: “The work to upgrade Vauxhall Bridge is critical to keep London moving.
“Vauxhall Bridge is a vital part of London’s road network, and by doing this work now, we’re protecting it for decades to come.
“We’d advise anyone who usually travels through the area to travel outside of the rush hour where possible, and would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience while this essential maintenance is ongoing.”
At the start of works, access over Vauxhall Bridge will be maintained for people walking and cycling, as well as southbound buses, coaches and taxis.
Buses, coaches, and taxis heading northbound towards Victoria will be on diversion. However, as the works progress, this may change and those travelling through the area should check the TfL website for the latest updates.
On June 22, the Congestion Charge temporarily increased to £15, and now operates from 7am until 10pm, seven-days-a-week.
However, vehicles using the signed diversion route will be exempt from the Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone charge.
TfL is issuing advice to those travelling in the area to help them make as quick a journey as possible during this time, which can be found here
Pictured top: Vauxhall Bridge