Nearly two weeks into three months of repairs to Putney Bridge we look at how the works are getting on.
While the reaction from commuters and businesses has been somewhat mixed, workers have been busy stripping the old road surface and paving to replace the waterproofing material needed to protect the bridge from water penetration.
At the moment they are ahead of schedule, having removed the tarmac by last Saturday (July 19) morning instead of it taking all weekend.
The £1.5 million repairs are being carried out by Wandsworth Council contractors and summer was chosen as they felt it was when traffic is at its quietest - although, as one of the few ways to cross the Thames it is never quiet.
Unplanned repairs to the bridge’s parapet wall will also have to take place now after a bus crashed into the wall on July 7, just a week before the closure on July 14. Six large granite blocks from the riverbed will have to be retrieved after they were dislodged and fell into the Thames as a result of the collision.
Wandsworth’s transport boss, Jonathan Cook, said: “The works are progressing well so far and we will be looking to keep this momentum going to ensure that the bridge does not have to remain closed for a single minute longer than is necessary.”
The closure has been described as an ‘utter catastrophe’ by some commuters while others are taking a more optimistic approach and understand the work needs to be done so they might as well enjoy the walk in the sunny weather.
Traders are also having a mixed reaction , with Putney Bridge Food and Wine doing a booming business as people cross the bridge by food.
However, shopkeepers on the southside of the river have said their trade is significantly down since the closure.
Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists can walk across the bridge and bus users will only pay for one journey after they get off on side of the bridge and get back on a bus on the other side.
TfL has also confirmed a cycle rail will be installed on the stairs up to the rail bridge linking Deodar Road to Putney Bridge tube station so people can ride their bikes across the bridge. This will be completed soon.
Find out your best route by visiting the TfL website.
