Update: Albert Bridge closed to traffic

Albert bridge is closed to traffic as a precaution; pedestrians and cyclists can cross safely. Kensington and Chelsea Council intends to fully reopen the bridge again to traffic as soon as possible.

Engineers inspecting the bridge

During a routine inspection a council inspector found a cast iron component had cracked at one of the bridge abutments. The bridge is regularly inspected and it was as a result of one these inspections that the fault was discovered. 

The bridge remains stable, but we have sensors continuously measuring the cracks on the broken component to check that its condition is not worsening.

Council engineers and contracted bridge experts are checking all the similar components to ensure there is not any other damage and establish why the crack has occurred. We are bringing-in additional engineering expertise to act as an independent checker of both the external advice we have received and our own in-house engineering expertise. 

So far, water has been pumped out to review submerged components and found no further visible damage. More detailed testing is ongoing using ultrasonic technology.

Timeline for repairs

Early indications from our teams and external experts are that a full repair to the bridge can be completed within a year. We are looking at options to reopen the bridge with a temporary fix before the full repair is completed, but further exploratory work needs to be completed for this to be confirmed. 

A temporary traffic order will be in place to maintain the road closure. This will say a closure of up to a year. This is not confirmation that we are closing the road for a year, but a precaution to ensure that, in the worst case scenario of a long running repair, other road authorities are aware of the closure and we can work together to limit traffic impacts.

Cllr Johnny Thalassites, lead member for environment and planning, said:

“Last week we promised to update our residents and motorists as soon as we know more about Albert Bridge. The early advice we have had following initial investigations suggests that we may be able to complete a permanent fix within a year. In the meantime, the investigative work continues. We are working with experts to find out if there are options to employ a temporary fix which I hope to update on as soon as we have the analysis. Our ambition remains to get this bridge open as soon as possible. 

 

“I want to thank motorists for their ongoing patience, we know it is frustrating. But we know for now we have to close the road to avoid the risk of extra weight causing further damage that could make repair significantly more difficult, more lengthy and more expensive.” 

‘The Trembling Lady’

Albert Bridge is designed to move slightly, for example to accommodate a change in temperature or traffic. It was nicknamed "The Trembling Lady" shortly after it opened in 1873. Some movement is expected but the findings of the inspection require a detailed investigation. 

A weight restriction has been in place on the bridge since 1884. Since the 1990s this was managed through road layout and more recently, since January 2024, the Council has been enforcing by issuing fixed penalty notices to drivers breaking the three-tonne limit on the bridge.

Bridges in London

The capital’s bridges are managed by a patchwork of owners. Seven are the responsibility of TfL, five by the Bridge House Estates trust and the others by eight individual boroughs, two of which are in Kensington and Chelsea. The London Assembly’s transport committee considered the matter of London’s bridges and river crossings in July 2021. Read their findings and recommendations.