Albert Bridge repairs to cost up to £8.5M, reopening next year
Kensington and Chelsea Council is undertaking refurbishment works after a crack closed the historic structure in February.
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Kensington and Chelsea Council is undertaking extensive refurbishment and maintenance works on Albert Bridge, with a commitment of up to £8.5M allocated to the repair programme. The historic structure, which connects Chelsea and Battersea, was closed to motor vehicles on 7 February this year following the discovery of a crack in a cast-iron component at one of its abutments during a routine inspection. The council has also submitted a bid to the Department for Transport’s Structures Fund to help finance a portion of the work, with successful bids expected to be announced in autumn of this year.
Comprehensive Refurbishment Underway
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The current closure is being utilised by the council to advance elements of the bridge’s long-term maintenance plan. Engineers are currently carrying out a complex repair, which includes the manufacture of a bespoke replacement component for the damaged cast-iron element. Beyond the essential structural repairs, the works include repainting the bridge’s internal walls and parapets to protect them from the elements, installing a new, more durable road surface, and replacing the existing lighting with energy-efficient LEDs. The historic toll booths are also being refurbished, and preventative measures are being implemented to reduce the risk of component seizure.
I understand how frustrating the closure of Albert Bridge is for residents. There is no quick fix in replacing a damaged component which is more than 150 years old, but we are on track to reopen the bridge next year.
Josh Rendall, lead member for transport, Kensington and Chelsea Council
Josh Rendall, lead member for transport at Kensington and Chelsea Council, acknowledged the disruption caused by the closure. He stated that while replacing the 150-year-old component is not a quick process, the project remains on schedule for a reopening next year. Mr Rendall added that the council is using the closure to refresh the bridge's paintwork in its current colour scheme, ensuring it is both aesthetically pleasing and protected from the weather upon its return to service.
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Future Outlook
The reopening of Albert Bridge to traffic is anticipated next year, contingent on safety assessments. The council's commitment of up to £8.5M covers the full repair programme, with the outcome of the bid to the Department for Transport’s Structures Fund expected in the autumn, which could contribute to the overall financing.
Questions this report answers
+How much will the repairs to Albert Bridge cost?
Kensington and Chelsea Council has committed up to £8.5M to the Albert Bridge repair programme. The council is also seeking additional funding through a bid to the Department for Transport’s Structures Fund.
+Why was Albert Bridge closed?
Albert Bridge was closed to motor vehicles on 7 February this year after a routine inspection identified a crack in a cast-iron component at one of its abutments. This structural issue necessitated immediate closure for safety reasons.
+When will Albert Bridge reopen to traffic?
The bridge is expected to reopen to traffic next year. The reopening is dependent on the completion of safety assessments and all necessary repair works being finalised.
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