Work is underway to strengthen a bridge in Feltham for "many years to come".

Hounslow Highways started upgrade works on Richmond Avenue Bridge last week, and it is expected to take 18 weeks, inevitably causing disruption to motorists and pedestrians in the area.

A temporary footbridge will provide pedestrian access, but the road which is a busy, key access route to the Staines Road, will be closed with no entry or exit to vehicles at any time.

Works to the bridge which sits over the Longford River, will include the installation of new steel supports, which will enable the bridge to accommodate a 40-tonne load, as well as having its road and pavements resurfaced.

Hounslow Highways service director, Rob Gillespie, added: "As part of our investment in Hounslow, we are strengthening a number of key structures within the borough.

"Last year, we completed similar works to the bridges in Talbot Road and Church Road.

“We do appreciate that closing the bridge for 18 weeks whilst the works take place will cause some local disruption.

"We thank residents for their patience and co-operation as we continue our efforts to improve the highways infrastructure across the borough.”

The maintenance works means the bridge will last for a further 120 years.

Councillor Amrit Mann, deputy leader of Hounslow Borough Council, said: "The work that’s being done to Richmond Avenue Bridge means that it will be functioning for many, many years to come.

“All disruption has been kept to a minimum.

"While some people may be inconvenienced in the short term, in the long term we’ll have better access and an improved bridge that will outlast our lifetimes.”