WEEKDAY NIGHT CLOSURES FOR TEDDINGTON FOOTBRIDGE
The next stage of the continuing repairs at Teddington Lock will require overnight closures during the week, Richmond Council has announced.
Phase Three of the work involves replacing the bearings on lockcut bridge so access will need to be restricted to ‘jack the bridge.’
The council say the times of the closures are specifically aimed at helping ‘limit disruption to commuters and schools.’
The weekday night closures will take place from Monday to Friday from:
9pm-6am on 28 October 28 until 1 November
9pm-6am on 4 November until 8 November
9pm-6am on 11 November until 15 November
In an updated statement the council states: “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.
“A principal inspection of both structures was undertaken in 2019. The inspection assessed the condition of the structures and categorised any required interventions.
“Those classified as ‘safety critical’ or ‘urgent’ have been taken forward and included within the scope of the project.
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.
“We have also undertaken repair works to the timber structures on the island between the bridges and on the Ham approach.
“Phase two of the works involved replacing the Ferry Road approach ramp.
“This was a complex phase which included installing a dam around the ramp which let us cast the foundations for the new ramp structure and provide footings for the temporary ramp which was installed to maintain access to the bridge during the works.
“Following the removal of the corrosion in phase one, we also carried 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 three of the project involves replacing the bearings on lockcut bridge. To do this we will need to restrict access so we can jack the bridge to access the bearings.
“We are undertaking the works overnight on weeknights to limit the disruption to commuters and schools. The bridges will be closed from 9pm until 6am on each of the weeknights above.
“Some further weeknight closures will be required to complete the work. We will share the details of these weeknight closures as soon as they have been finalised.”
The Flying Cloud, The Anglers, Tide End Cottage and The Boat Shop remain open as usual.