DRIVERS brace for chaos as this historic bridge, used by 30,000 motorists a day, is set to close this week.
The 93-year-old bridge is being prepared for major renovations which could lead to a whole year of traffic.
A bridge used by thousands is set to close this week[/caption]
Lambeth Bridge will go through a series of renovations throughout the year[/caption]
Lambeth Bridge will close on January 30, with subsequent closures throughout 2025.
As one of the busiest bridges in the capital, drivers have been warned there may be long delays and pedestrians have been told there will be roadworks when crossing.
It was opened to the public in 1932 and goes from Lambeth on the southside, to near the houses of parliament in Westminster on the north side.
TfL revealed the bridge’s northern junction is the most dangerous spot in London for cycle accidents.
Dozens of collisions were recorded last year, including one fatality.
Now the unsignalised roundabouts will be replaced with signal-controlled junctions.
This will hopefully reduce the number of cyclists who have been caught up in incoming traffic.
TfL’s Head of Projects and Programmes Julie Lewington, 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.”
A TfL spokesperson added: “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.”
Further work will take place on the bridge as the construction was built nearly a century ago and is finally getting the revamp it needs.
The maintenance work includes waterproofing, bridge deck repairs, and replacing replacement of temporary security measures.
This work will start this week on January 30 until February 7 and will see the bridge closed to all traffic overnight from 9.30pm until 5am.
From February 7 to 10, it will be fully closed so a new traffic management system can be installed.
Drivers will have to be diverted but pedestrians are still able to use the crossing over the River Thames.
Between February 10 to July 18, there will be a one-way closure from Westminster towards Lambeth.
Buses, namely the 3 and C10, will be diverted to the two nearest bridges, Vauxhall Bridge or Westminster Bridge during times when the bridge is completely closed off.
During part closures, only buses heading from Vauxhall Bridge or Westminster Bridge will be altered.
All of these roadworks will take place on and off throughout the year, starting on January 30 all the way until December 15.
TfL has warned that the roadworks might contribute to increased congestion in surrounding areas and on the nearby bridges.
London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, approves of the project.
He said: “I’m pleased TfL is starting work to make both the north and south junctions safer for both cyclists and pedestrians.
“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.”
