Revamped and well-lit railway bridge at Wandsworth Town Station means safer journeys for pedestrians and cyclists

A joint investment scheme by Wandsworth Council and Network Rail has seen lighting at the bridge significantly upgraded, as well as walls jet washed and renewed, improvements to drainage plus the replacement and repainting of all bridge panels.

And to make the bridge more of a local landmark and enhance its appearance another new feature is an illuminated colour cascade so that the bridge is lit up in different colours – making it a more visually attractive standout structure in Old York Road.

These improvements have been made possible by the council committing £400,000 towards the overall cost of the scheme.

This investment is part of the town hall’s £5m public realm improvement fund which is delivering a series of transport and travel upgrades across the borough.

Before the end of the current financial year £5m will have been invested in renewing pavements and road surfaces, upgrading footpaths in parks and commons, improving street lighting, cleaning up bridges, investing in high streets and shopping parades and removing unnecessary street clutter.

This investment in Old York Road is just the initial phase of a wider series of regeneration plans for this iconic street.

Its pedestrianisation, which offered crucial support to its businesses during the pandemic is to be made permanent, while fresh proposals are being drawn up which will be the subject of public consultation and are likely to see further environmental improvements that enhance its appearance and reputation. These further measures are part of an additional capital investment programme that’s been created to deliver new al fresco hospitality areas to support local businesses.

Transport spokesman Cllr John Locker said: “This joint project at Wandsworth Town Station has delivered a real improvement in the appearance of this prominent railway bridge.

“It is cleaner, smarter and more welcoming than it has been for years and the introduction of better lighting underneath it means it is much safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

“And the new colour cascade lighting is a real bonus in making the bridge an attractive feature of the streetscape and will surely be hugely beneficial for the bars and restaurants for which old York Road is famous.

“We’re grateful to Network Rail for working with us so closely to deliver these benefits for our residents and businesses.

“I’m also delighted to say that the popular pedestrianisation of Old York Road is to become a permanent feature and that we are drawing up further proposals to make it an even more attractive and welcoming destination.”

The borough’s £5m public realm improvement fund includes investment in the following key areas – all designed to deliver a series of upgrades to Wandsworth’s streets, green spaces and travel infrastructure:

• More pavement and road resurfacing - £2m
• Improvements to local shopping parades - £500,000
• River promenade upgrades - £500,000
• Rail bridge underpass lighting projects - £500,000
• Road safety – additional pedestrian crossings and compliance measures - £250,000
• Green spaces footpaths and railings - £500,000