NEW NIGHT CLOSURE DATES FOR TEDDINGTON FOOTBRIDGE
The Teddington Lock footbridges will be closed overnight to allow vital work to take place involving the waterproofing and resurfacing of the two bridges, it was announced today.
The closures will take place from 8pm until 6am from Monday to Friday 16th until 20th September and 23rd to 27th September.
The bridges were closed fully over one weekend, from 8pm on Friday 14 June until 6.30pm on Sunday 16 June 2024 to attach the temporary ramp and another full closure will be needed in October to attach the new permanent ramp and remove the temporary ramp.
A spokesperson for Richmond Council said: “We are undertaking the works overnight on weeknights to limit the disruption to commuters and schools.
“The essential maintenance works to repair the suspension footbridge main structure and lockcut iron truss footbridge will ensure this vital crossing can continue to be used safely for many years to come.
Phase one of the works began in summer 2023 and involved removing the areas of corrosion, repairing and replacing any steel work across both structures along with the application of a new protective paint system. Repair works to the timber structures on the island between the bridges and on the Ham approach have also been made.
The spokesperson added: “Following the removal of the corrosion, we are also carrying out detailed visual inspections of the bearings on lockcut iron truss footbridge.
“These critical pieces of infrastructure are central to the safe operation of the bridge by allowing them 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.”
Phase two of the maintenance works at Teddington Lock are well underway and involve replacing the Ferry Road approach ramp.
“This is a complex phase which includes installing a dam around the ramp which will let us cast the foundations for the new ramp structure and provide footings for the temporary ramp which is being installed to maintain access to the bridge during the works,” explained the Council.
The Flying Cloud, The Anglers, Tide End Cottage and The Boat Shop remain open as usual.
