South London bridge over Thames reopens after 10-week closure but scaffolding won't be going anywhere just yet
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. READ MORE: London neighbourhood with ‘wasted’ riverfront after waterworks 'falls into grim state' Wandsworth Bridge has reopened to vehicles (Image: ChrisSteer/Getty I...