Wandsworth Bridge to reopen to traffic following successful completion of its essential safety repairs 

The repairs will be completed on Sunday, 1 October, late in the evening, meaning that traffic flows across the river will be fully restored in both directions ahead of the travelling public’s journeys on Monday morning.

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.”

The project involved the replacement of the crucial bearings which lie deep within the bridge’s sub-structure. These critical pieces of infrastructure are central to the safe operation of the bridge by allowing it to flex and absorb movement during hot and icy spells of weather. Without this ability to expand and contract due to weather conditions the bridge structure would sustain damage rendering it unsafe for traffic.

To replace them involved the bridge being hydraulically lifted in stages so that the new bearings could be installed within its sub-structure.

The scheme also involved new water proofing of the bridge deck to prevent future internal corrosion and full carriageway resurfacing.

Looking ahead there are plans to introduce a new segregated northbound cycle lane to offer greater protection to cyclists as they cross the river.

People crossing the bridge will note that while traffic lanes are scheduled to reopen late on Sunday night, 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.