Wandsworth Bridge to close for 10 weeks this summer

Essential repairs to Wandsworth Bridge mean it is set to close for 10 weeks this summer.

Checks on the 83-year-old bridge have revealed that some of its weight-bearing parts need to be replaced. If these critical repairs are not completed, it could result in longer-term closures and other restrictions.

The repairs will begin on July 24, they will be carried out mainly during the school summer holidays when traffic levels are at their lowest. Pedestrians will still be able to cross throughout this period.

There will be temporary changes to bus services that normally cross the bridge once the closure is in place. Details will be released closer to the time when confirmed by Transport for London.

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.”

The vehicle closure follows an initial phase of works that began today.

Buses, vehicles and bicycles will still be able to cross the river in both directions from now until the main phase of works begin in July.

Councillor Hogg added: “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 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 also be placed on lampposts on all approaches in Wandsworth and Hammersmith and Fulham and digital warning signs will be used to alert motorists throughout the area.

For more information visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/wandsworthbridge. 

Pictured top: Wandsworth Bridge (Picture: Maggie Jones/Flickr)