Three major London bridges have been placed on a 'critical' list by Transport for London (TfL) after their load-bearing parts were found to be in 'very poor' condition. The bridges in question are Westminster, Vauxhall, and Lambeth Bridges, all of which are key river crossings in the capital.
Bridges Scored Below Safety Threshold
TfL uses a scoring system to assess bridge conditions, with any score under 40 triggering investigation or action. According to reports, Westminster Bridge scored 31, Lambeth Bridge scored nearly 23, and Vauxhall Bridge scored 22.2. Despite these low scores, TfL has confirmed that none of its bridges are in a critically degraded overall condition and remain safe for use.
TfL Assurance on Safety
A TfL spokesperson stated: 'We work hard to ensure all of our bridges are safe, well maintained and open. The continued safe operation of all TfL assets, including bridges, will always support and guide any decisions. We have a comprehensive and industry-standard assessment to trigger further inspections where needed and would close any structure if unsafe. We continually monitor bridge condition and risks. We have no bridges in a critically degraded overall condition, and we continue to invest around £30 million a year renewing our highway structures with around £160 million spent across the road network on day-to-day maintenance.'
Context of London's Bridge Woes
The news comes after the closure of Hammersmith Bridge to motor vehicles, which is now open only to pedestrians and cyclists, and a similar fate for Albert Bridge. Both are Grade II-listed Victorian structures, making repairs more complex and costly. Hammersmith Bridge is owned by Hammersmith & Fulham Council, but the estimated £250 million repairs involve the borough, TfL, and the Department for Transport. Its reopening may not happen until 2027, with some warnings it could take until 2035. Albert Bridge, owned by Kensington and Chelsea Council, is set to reopen next year after an estimated £8.5 million repair project lasting 12 months.
The closures have caused traffic gridlock on surrounding crossings, highlighting the critical role these bridges play in London's transport network. TfL continues to monitor all structures and invest in maintenance to ensure safety.
