Temporary Albert Bridge closure for essential decking works

Albert Bridge will be closed for essential maintenance during the autumn half term holidays from 28 October to 2 November 2024.

Engineers at Kensington and Chelsea Council are carrying out essential maintenance work to the carriageway's deck panels. The panels form part of the listed structure and require care to ensure the bridge remains in a good condition. Works to some of the bridge took place in the May half term earlier this year and these works will repair and replace the next section of decking. Works will also take place to street lighting during the week.

Cllr Cem Kemahli, lead member of planning and public realm, said:

"The iconic Albert Bridge is in safe hands with our engineers, who are completing these essential works to protect it for the future. This is the second brief closure this year and we're very grateful to drivers for being patient in the short term so that we can keep the listed bridge intact and operational now and in the future. We hope by using the half term holiday for the works again we can limit some of the inconvenience."

When is Albert Bridge closed?

Drivers are asked to allow more time for their journeys and avoid Albert Bridge next week. The listed river crossing will be closed to vehicles in both directions from 7am on Monday 28 October 2024 and reopen from 7am on Saturday 2 November 2024.

Is there a diversion?

A diversion will be in place for drivers via Chelsea Bridge or Battersea Bridge. Works will be taking place to the pavements too, but this will be done in stages so that one footway will be open to pedestrians at all times. Cyclists can pass the bridge but are encouraged to dismount.

From 30 October 2024 TfL will also be completing works on Battersea Bridge, but work begins on the south side in Wandsworth. Battersea Bridge will be open to traffic with a lane closure from 30 October.

20,000 penalty charges issued since January 2024

In January 2024, the Council began to enforce a three-tonne weight restriction on the bridge for good vehicles. Since January the Council has issued nearly 20,000 penalty charge notices for drivers breaching the weight restriction, putting unnecessary strain on the bridge. In line with Government regulations, enforcement is based on the vehicle's official revenue weight, also known as the maximum gross weight. Drivers can find this out using the DVLA's website. This is the most accurate way to check as some vehicle log books provide a different measure of weight.