26-05-2025
Albert Bridge closed to drivers for a week for repair work
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 and Chelsea Council said the work is taking place during summer half term to minimise the impact on to the bridge deck, street lighting and expansion joints 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.
The bridge deck is made up of 715 individual panels fixed to the timber section. The panels deteriorate with the weather, and traffic can affect the surface of the carriageway and allow water into the timber 10% of the deck is said to be deteriorating and will be placed between the joints to prevent water reaching the bearing beneath the bridge, will also be replaced.
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".
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 Local Democracy Reporting Service found the council made just over £630,000 by fining drivers breaking the restriction.
