A bridge over the River Thames in South West London has reopened to vehicles after shutting for 10 weeks while major repairs were carried out. Wandsworth Bridge, which is 83 years old, reopened in both directions on Sunday night (October 1).
The bridge, which connects Wandsworth and Fulham, closed on July 24 after checks revealed some of its weight-bearing parts needed to be replaced. Wandsworth Council carried out the repairs to prevent longer-term closures of the bridge and other future restrictions.
The scheme involved lifting the bridge in stages so crucial bearings in its sub-structure could be replaced. These allow the bridge to expand and contract during hot and icy spells of weather. Without this ability, the council said, the bridge would sustain damage and become unsafe for traffic.
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The works also included waterproofing the bridge deck to prevent internal corrosion and resurfacing the carriageway. Pedestrians were still able to cross the bridge during the works, while cyclists had to dismount and wheel their bikes across.
The council said it plans to introduce a new segregated northbound cycle lane on the bridge to offer greater protection to cyclists as they cross the river, which would be a separate project.
Labour councillor Jenny Yates, cabinet member for transport, 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."
The council said much of the scaffolding and other equipment needed for the repairs will remain in place for some time as it will take a while to dismantle.
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