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Albert Bridge shut to drivers for week of repairs

Adrian Zorzut
Local Democracy Reporting Service
RKBC A view from the middle of the road across Albert Bridge. The clouds are thick and quite dark. There are buildings and trees and and a highway maintenance van in the background.RKBC
Albert Bridge will be closed from 07:00 BST on 27 May until 06:00 BST on 2 June

Albert Bridge in Chelsea will be closed to vehicles for a week to allow the council to carry out essential maintenance.

A diversion will be in place - via either Chelsea or Battersea Bridge - from 07:00 BST on 27 May to 06:00 BST on 2 June.

Kensington and Chelsea Council said the work is taking place during summer half term to minimise the impact on drivers.

Repairs to the bridge deck, street lighting and expansion ts will be done while pavement repairs will be done in stages so that one footway will be open to pedestrians at all times. Cyclists can cross if they dismount.

Getty Images Albert Bridge, Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London Authority, 1960-1985. Albert Bridge illuminated at night, with small boats moored in the foregroundGetty Images
The bridge was described by the council as "both a landmark of the London skyline and a vital crossing point"

The bridge deck is made up of 715 individual s fixed to the timber section.

The s deteriorate with the weather, and traffic can affect the surface of the carriageway and allow water into the timber sections.

About 10% of the deck is said to be deteriorating and will be replaced.

Rubber, placed between the ts to prevent water reaching the bearing beneath the bridge, will also be replaced.

RBKC Council workers from People First wearing Hi-Vis and white helmets shown doing some work in the tiles on the ground. In the background, there are turquoise barriers marking the area where the maintenance is taking place. RBKC
The repairs taking place will allow the bridge to expand and contract with temperature changes

Johnny Thalassites, from the council, said: "Keeping an iconic listed bridge operational does take regular maintenance.

"We have to be responsible stewards of Albert Bridge which is both a landmark of the London skyline and a vital crossing point."

He added that he was grateful for drivers being patient with the "short-term inconvenience".

Getty Images The Full moon rises over Albert Bridge on February 7, 2012 in London, England. Albert Bridge is said to be one of the most romantic bridges in London, and will be the start point for the flotilla of boats that will make their way along the Thames as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration. Getty Images
Albert Bridge is said to be "one of the most romantic bridges in London"

In January 2024, the council began to enforce a three-tonne weight restriction for goods vehicles in order to protect the structure, with fines for vehicles breaching the weight limit.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service found the council made just over £630,000 by fining drivers breaking the restriction.

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