Lambeth Bridge set for signalling work to make it safer for cyclists

By Noah Vickers, Local Democracy Reporter

A major set of upgrades at Lambeth Bridge will begin their next phase later this week, as part of Transport for London’s (TfL) bid to make the crossing safer for cyclists.

The project involves replacing the signal-free roundabouts at either end of the central London bridge with signal-controlled junctions. A series of closures to allow construction to take place will begin later this week.

According to TfL’s data, Lambeth Bridge’s ‘northern junction’ – on the Westminster side of the river – is the most dangerous in London in terms of cycle collisions. Cyclists were involved in 22 of the 31 collisions across the bridge’s two roundabouts from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2024.

In April 2015, cyclist Moira Gemmill, 55, a prominent designer who had worked for the Queen, died in a collision with a tipper truck on the northern roundabout. The driver was later cleared of causing death by careless driving.

The Grade II listed structure is also said by TfL to require urgent maintenance, including waterproofing, bridge deck repairs and the replacement of temporary security measures with permanent fixtures to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

“It’s really important that we make these changes at both ends of the bridge,” said TfL commissioner Andy Lord. “It’s been a really difficult location for cyclists’ safety. We’re removing the roundabout and putting in signal junctions. That will change the layout and make the junctions at both ends of the bridge much safer for both cyclists and pedestrians – and, we believe, improve the traffic flow.”

An earlier phase of the works, in 2023, saw the removal of a “much loved” palm tree from the centre of the northern roundabout, which provoked criticism from local Conservative politicians. The tree was re-planted a short distance away on the Churchill Gardens Estate.

From Thursday until to Friday February 7, Lambeth Bridge will be closed to all traffic each night between 9.30pm and 5am.

Between Friday February 7 and Monday February 10, a full closure of the bridge is required in both directions and there will be pedestrian access only.

From February 10 to July 18, there will be there will be a directional closure in place, restricting all motorised vehicles coming out of Westminster towards Lambeth. Segregated cycle lanes will be in place, and pedestrians will be able to access the bridge. Traffic crossing towards Westminster is unaffected.

Between July 18 and 21, there will be another full closure of Lambeth Bridge, impacting all motorised vehicles and cyclists. Pedestrians will be able to access the bridge.

From July 21 to December 15, there will be a directional closure in place, restricting all motorised traffic coming out of Westminster towards Lambeth. Segregated cycle lanes will be in place, and pedestrians will be able to access the bridge. Traffic crossing towards Westminster is unaffected.

“I’d like to apologise for the disruption that’s obviously going to be caused during these works, but it’s really essential we do them,” said Mr Lord.

“At the same time, we’re taking the opportunity to do some remedial works to the bridge, improving the waterproofing, which will extend the life of the bridge and make sure that it remains such a fantastic river crossing for us.”

Pictured top: Lambeth Bridge (Picture: TfL)