Albert Bridge open again after ‘unexpected movement’

Albert Bridge has reopened after it was closed to pedestrians and cyclists on Wednesday afternoon (April 8), writes Katherine Gray..

The Thames Crossing was shut-off to all traffic because sensors had picked-up “unexpected movement.”

Engineers have now confirmed that the movements are not an additional risk to pedestrians and cyclists. Albert Bridge remains closed to motor traffic.

Andrew Burton, director of highways and regulatory services, said: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience the temporary closure caused to pedestrians and cyclists. It was a necessary decision so we could monitor the bridge and ensure the extra movement we were seeing didn’t put people at risk.

“Our top priority is safety and protecting the bridge for the future, so it’s important that we act when our sensors pick up any change. We have a temporary solution coming in very soon which will stabilise the damaged component and help reduce the need for further closures for pedestrians and cyclists.”

The bridge closed to motor vehicles on February 7, after a crack in a cast iron component was found in the north eastern abutment. It is thought that temperatures reaching 25C on Wednesday are likely to have caused the changes in movement.

Albert Bridge remains under “careful monitoring” due to the cracked component. A temporary prop will be installed to support the weakened component and reduce risk of further closures to pedestrians and cyclists.

At a Kensington and Chelsea Council leadership meeting on March 25, the cabinet approved plans to spend around £8.5 million on a full repair job for the bridge, which would take up to 12 months to complete. Additional measures to prevent further damage to the bridge will also be put in place during the repair works.

Nicknamed ‘The Trembling Lady’ shortly after it opened in 1873, Albert Bridge is designed to move slightly, to accommodate a change in temperature or traffic.