Road users should check before they travel, ahead of work to maintain Vauxhall Bridge starting on 9 August

31 July 2020
Vauxhall Bridge will be closed to general traffic until November, with access maintained over the bridge at all times for people walking and cycling, as well as southbound buses and coaches

TfL is today encouraging road users to check before they travel ahead of critical maintenance to Vauxhall Bridge. The bridge will be closed to general traffic in both directions from 20:00 Sunday 9 August until late November to allow for vital maintenance of the Edwardian structure.

The vital work includes bridge deck waterproofing, resurfacing the footway and carriageway, drainage improvements, kerb works and replacing the bridge's expansion joints.

Completing these works will address the corrosion and deterioration of the structural metalwork and bearings, allowing further repairs to take place on the underside of the bridge at a later date.

TfL will continue to monitor the bridge to determine the timing of future repairs to the underside, which are not currently expected to disrupt traffic.

Vauxhall Bridge will be closed to general traffic in both directions and vehicles will be placed on diversion to allow for the work to take place safely. Alternative diversion routes will be clearly signed.

This may lead to extended journey times, so if drivers need to go through the area, they are advised to travel outside of the rush hour peaks in the morning and afternoon when it will be quieter.

Those who are planning to drive through this busy part of London, but will not be stopping there, are advised to consider re-routing their journey to avoid central London.

Drivers will find that the quietest times are between 10:00 and 15:00, or after 19:00, while public transport users will find it's better to travel between 08:15 - 16:00 and after 17:30 on weekdays and before 12:00 and after 18:00 on weekends

Nick Fairholme, Director of Project and Programme Delivery at TfL, said: 'The work to upgrade Vauxhall Bridge is critical to keep London moving. Vauxhall Bridge is a vital part of London's road network and by doing this work now, we're protecting it for decades to come.

'We'd advise anyone who usually travels through the area to travel outside of the rush hour where possible, and would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience while this essential maintenance is ongoing.'

At the start of works, access over Vauxhall Bridge will be maintained for people walking and cycling, as well as southbound buses, coaches and taxis. Buses, coaches, and taxis heading northbound towards Victoria will be on diversion.

However, as the works progress, this may change and those travelling through the area should check the TfL website for the latest updates.

On 22 June, the Congestion Charge temporarily increased to £15, and now operates from 07:00-22:00 seven days a week. However, vehicles using the signed diversion route will be exempt from the Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone charges.

TfL is issuing advice to those travelling in the area to help them make as quick a journey as possible during this time, which can be found at tfl.gov.uk/vauxhall-bridge

Notes to editors:

  • Vauxhall Bridge will be closed to general traffic in both directions from 20:00 Sunday 9 August until late November 2020
  • Those driving to the area should also try to avoid Chelsea Bridge, Lambeth Bridge and the surrounding roads as these are expected to be busy. If possible, please use other river crossings
  • More information is available here tfl.gov.uk/vauxhall-bridge