Weekly Bangla Mirror | Bangla Mirror, Bangladeshi news in UK, bangla mirror news
Kensington and Chelsea Council says the bridge may open sooner if a “temporary fix” is possible
Albert Bridge in west London may be closed to motorists for up to a year for repairs, the local authority has said.
Kensington and Chelsea Council (RBKC), which manages the 150-year old bridge, said engineers discovered cracks in a cast iron component earlier this month.
The authority said sensors were continuously measuring the cracks to check that their condition did not worsen.
Wandsworth Council said local people relied “heavily” on Albert Bridge, particularly at a time when travel was “already strained” by the long‑term closure of Hammersmith Bridge. It said it was working to reduce disruption “as much as possible”.
Concerns were raised during routine maintenance of Albert Bridge
RBKC said it hoped the bridge might open more quickly if a “temporary fix” was possible, before work began on a more permanent fix.
Although closed to motorists, the bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists. Traffic diversions are in place via Chelsea Bridge and Battersea Bridge.
The crossing, from Battersea to Chelsea, is one of 35 main bridges across the River Thames in London, and is known as “The Trembling Lady”, due to its ability to move slightly to accommodate a change in temperature or traffic.
Since 1884, there has been a three-tonne weight limit on the bridge, which is enforced with fixed-penalty notices.
‘Rightly concerned’
Johnny Thalassites, RBKC’s lead member for planning and environment, said: “The early advice we have had following initial investigations suggests that we may be able to complete a permanent fix within a year.”
He added: “We know we have to close the road to avoid the risk of extra weight causing further damage that could make repair significantly more difficult, more lengthy and more expensive.”
The councillor thanked the public for their “ongoing patience”, and said: “Our ambition remains to get this bridge open as soon as possible.”
Marsha de Cordova, MP for Battersea, said residents were “rightly concerned” about the impact of the closure on journeys.
The MP said that she has raised concerns with officials, adding: “I completely understand the frustration.”
The Albert Bridge closure comes as Hammersmith Bridge marks its seventh year closed, following the discovery of cracks.
Albert Bridge is a Grade II-listed structure and one of only two London bridges never to have been replaced, along with Tower Bridge.
