Drivers have been warned to expect a series of road closures and diversions this year as traffic workers prepare to revitalise one of the busiest bridges in the capital.
Transport for London announced that it will be starting work on improving Lambeth Bridge next week on Thursday, January 30, with subsequent closures taking place throughout the year.
The changes include replacing the unsignalised roundabouts at either end of the bridge with signal-controlled junctions to help crack down on the number of cyclists who have been involved in incidents caused by oncoming traffic.
TfL explained that the bridge’s northern junction is the most dangerous in London in terms of cycle collisions with dozens of incidents recorded last year with one being fatal.
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Lambeth Bridge will be closed from January 30 and throughout 2025 as part of a refurbishment project
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Other changes will take place on the bridge itself which requires urgent maintenance, including waterproofing, bridge deck repairs and replacing temporary security measures.
As part of the revitalisation project, TfL has already set aside dates during the year for full closure with drivers urged to plan ahead.
Work on the bridge will begin on Thursday, January 30, until Monday, December 15, with a series of full and partial closures due to take place. Between January 30 and February 7, the bridge will be closed to all traffic each night between 9.30pm and 5am.
Between February 7 and 10, a full closure of the bridge is required in both directions to install changes to traffic management with only pedestrians able to cross.
From February 10 to July 18, there will be a directional closure in place, restricting all vehicles coming out of Westminster towards Lambeth, while another full closure will be seen between July 18 and July 21.
In the final stretch of the closures between July 21 and December 15, a directional closure will be in place, restricting all car traffic coming out of Westminster towards Lambeth.
Buses which usually operate along the bridge including Routes 3 and C10 will also be diverted to Vauxhall Bridge or Westminster Bridge. During part closures, only buses heading from Westminster to Lambeth will be diverted.
Julie Lewington, TfL’s Head of Projects and Programmes, said: “We are committed to Vision Zero, the Mayor’s goal to eliminate death and serious injury from the transport network, and these changes will play a vital role in reducing danger at this key junction.”
She warned that roads in the surrounding area are expected to be busier than usual as a result of the closures with drivers urged to plan ahead and check before travelling.
TfL explained: “This scheme will improve safety on the bridge and at both the northern and southern junctions.
“Replacing the roundabouts with signal-controlled junctions means that we can add new, safer signal-controlled pedestrian crossings, replacing zebra crossings on the Westminster side of the bridge. Protect and provide time for cyclists to safely connect to existing cycle routes, such as Cycleway 8 on Milbank.”
London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, added: “I’m pleased TfL is starting work to make both the north and south junctions safer for both cyclists and pedestrians.
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Lambeth Bridge was opened to vehicles and the public in 1932
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“This project is just one example of the Mayor and TfL’s commitment to make London’s most dangerous junctions safer, as we work towards our Vision Zero goal.”
Lambeth Bridge was opened to the public in 1932 and is a road traffic and footbridge crossing the River Thames in central London.
