Wandsworth Bridge to reopen to traffic following completion of repair works

Repair works on Wandsworth Bridge are set to be completed this weekend, meaning the 83-year-old crossing will be open to traffic again from next week.

The bridge had been shut to vehicle traffic since July 24 while essential repair works were carried out. It will reopen on Sunday evening October 1.

Wandsworth Council said checks on the bridge, which connects Wandsworth to Fulham, revealed some of its weight-bearing parts needed replacing.

If ignored, the council said longer-term closures and other restrictions would have been necessary.

The project involved the replacement of the bearings, within the bridge’s substructure, which allow it to flex and absorb movement during hot and icy spells. Without this ability to expand and contract due to weather conditions, the bridge structure would become unsafe for traffic.

To replace them, the bridge was hydraulically lifted in stages.

The scheme involved carriageway resurfacing and new waterproofing of the bridge deck to prevent internal corrosion.

Wandsworth Council’s cabinet member for transport, Jenny Yates, said: “This was a complex and challenging set of repairs which were vitally important if the bridge was to remain in safe working condition. I’m absolutely delighted that we have got the job done on time and on budget. We understand the closure to traffic has caused disruption and we’d like to apologise for the inconvenience it’s caused but these repairs were absolutely essential and I’m really pleased we have completed the task when we said we would.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to the hardworking team of council engineers and contractors who have all done an excellent job in seeing this scheme through to a successful conclusion.”

Wandsworth Council has also announced plans to introduce a new segregated northbound cycle lane to offer greater protection to cyclists as they cross the river.

The council has warned that much of the scaffolding and other equipment needed for the repairs will remain in place for some time following the reopening to traffic as it will take some time to dismantle.