Wandsworth Bridge to close to traffic over Thames for 10 weeks for refurbishment works

Drivers are being warned that Wandsworth Bridge will be closed to vehicles for 10 weeks.

Wandsworth Council will close the bridge from Monday July 24 to carry out “essential” refurbishment work.

Bus routes C3, 295 and 28 will stop short north of the river while route N28 will be diverted across Battersea Bridge.

A temporary bus route, 728 will run between Wandsworth Town Centre and Fulham Broadway via Battersea Bridge.

Pedestrians will be able to walk across the bridge, while cyclists will have to dismount and wheel their bikes across.

Drivers needing to cross the Thames will be able to use Chiswick and Kew Bridges to the west or Battersea Bridge to the east.

Wandsworth Council says the work is needed on the 83-year-old bridge as an inspection revealed the need to replace some of its critical weight-bearing parts.

The council said if the repairs are not completed it could result in longer-term closures and other restrictions.

The main phase of the refurbishment which starts on Monday will involve the bridge being lifted so that the weight bearing parts can be replaced.

This will be followed by waterproofing of the bridge deck, carriageway resurfacing and kerb alignments.

The bridge is scheduled to reopen to all traffic around the end of September, weather permitting.

The timing of the repairs has been drawn up following discussions with TfL, neighbouring Hammersmith and Fulham Council and other partners to coordinate with other major roadworks in south and west London.

Jenny Yates, Wandsworth’s cabinet member for transport, said: “Our primary objective is to complete this vital job as efficiently and as quickly as possible so there is the least amount of disruption possible to residents.”

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.”

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