Wandsworth Bridge repair programme about to begin next phase 

Critical safety repairs to Wandsworth Bridge are continuing with the project on course to complete on schedule and on budget.

The bridge is expected to reopen to all forms of traffic on October 1 – once its crucial bearings have been replaced. 

These bearings are critical 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.

The brand-new replacement bearings have arrived on site today (Friday), following their lengthy journey from the factory in Romania where they were fabricated.

And this sets the stage for the next phase of works which is for the bridge to be hydraulically lifted in stages so that the new bearings can be installed deep within its sub-structure.

This phase will commence on Monday night (August 21) between 11pm and 5am when this “jacking up” procedure will get underway on the northern section of the bridge.

To allow this work to be carried out safely, the bridge will be fully closed between those hours. This means that pedestrians and cyclists will not be permitted to cross the bridge between those times. 

Similar restrictions will be in place for the second stage of the lifting process which is due to take place at the southern end of the bridge commencing at 11pm on Thursday, 24 August and continuing until 5am the following morning. This will again mean cyclists and pedestrians being unable to cross the bridge between those times. 

Jenny Yates, Wandsworth’s Cabinet Member for Transport said: “I’m pleased to report that this crucial repair scheme is on course to complete on time and on budget.

“The works thus far have all been in preparation for the arrival of the bearings and have involved a series of measures to strengthen and support the bridge so it can be hydraulically lifted without causing structural damage. And with the arrival of the replacement bearings on site we can begin to move on to the next stage of the project.”

Once the new bearings have been fitted, the bridge deck will be waterproofed to prevent future internal corrosion, to be followed by full carriageway resurfacing.