Wandsworth Bridge has reopened to motorists after being closed to traffic for more than two months while essential repairs were carried out.
The west London river crossing, which links Wandsworth and Fulham, reopened in both directions late on Sunday evening.
The bridge had been closed to vehicle traffic since July 24 while Wandsworth Council replaced the bearings in the bridge’s substructure, which had reached the end of their lifespan.
These allow the bridge to flex and absorb movement during hot and icy spells of weather, without which it would sustain damage and be unsafe for traffic.
Pedestrians were not affected by the closure, although cyclists were required to dismount and push their bikes.
Wandsworth Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Jenny Yates said: “This was a complex and challenging set of repairs which were vitally important if the bridge was to remain in safe working condition.
“I’m absolutely delighted that we have got the job done on time and on budget. We understand the closure to traffic has caused disruption and we’d like to apologise for the inconvenience it’s caused but these repairs were absolutely essential and I’m really pleased we have completed the task when we said we would.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to the hardworking team of council engineers and contractors who have all done an excellent job in seeing this scheme through to a successful conclusion.”
The council said it planned to introduce a new segregated northbound cycle lane to offer greater protection to cyclists as they cross the river in future.
The completed work involved lifting the bridge in stages to install the new bearings, resurfacing the carriageway, and waterproofing the bridge deck.
Although the bridge is now open to traffic, the scaffolding and other equipment will remain in place “for some time”, said the council, as it is time consuming to dismantle.
