Three major London bridges placed on ‘critical’ list by TfL

The alarm has been raised over three more London bridges after their parts were found to be in ‘very poor’ condition.

The decline of London’s bridges has become a permanent bugbear – and something that will require millions of pounds in the not-so-distant future.

First, there was the closure of the iconic Hammersmith Bridge, which is now open to only pedestrians and cyclists, followed by a similar fate for Albert Bridge – both Grade II-listed Victorian sites making their repairs more complex.

Now Westminster, Vauxhall and Lambeth Bridges are said to have been moved onto a ‘critical’ list due to their condition.

Despite the concerning status, none of them are at an immediate risk of closure and are safe to use.

Transport for London has classed the three bridges’ load-bearing parts in a ‘very poor’ condition, according to The Times.

Bridges are given scores, and anything under 40 will lead to an investigation or action.

Westminster, one of the most iconic bridges in the capital, was reportedly given a score of 31, Lambeth nearly 23 and Vauxhall 22.2.

TfL confirmed that none of the bridges owned by it are in a critically degraded condition.

A spokesperson told Metro: ‘We work hard to ensure all of our bridges are safe, well maintained and open. 

‘The continued safe operation of all TfL assets, including bridges, will always support and guide any decisions. 

‘We have a comprehensive and industry‑standard assessment to trigger further inspections where needed and would close any structure if unsafe. 

‘We continually monitor bridge condition and risks. 

‘We have no bridges in a critically degraded overall condition, and we continue to invest around £30 million a year renewing our highway structures with around £160 million spent across the road network on day-to-day maintenance.’

When will Hammersmith and Albert Bridge reopen to cars?

Besides being a headache for those responsible for Hammersmith and Albert Bridges, the closure to cars has also led to traffic gridlock on the surrounding crossings.

Then there is the issue of ownership, which is a patchwork in a typical London fashion.

Hammersmith Bridge is owned by Hammersmith & Fulham council, but the repairs fall under the borough, TfL and the Department for Transport (DfT).

The estimated price tag for the full repairs is £250 million. The reopening may not happen until 2027, with some warning that it could take up to 2035.

Meanwhile, Albert Bridge is owned by the cash-strapped Kensington and Chelsea council, which is set to spend around £8.5 million on the repairs.

Albert Bridge is set to open next year as the full repair to allow motor vehicles is estimated to take 12 months.

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