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Drivers: beware. London’s loveliest pink bridge will be closed to all vehicles until 2027, the council has announced.
Albert Bridge, the pink and white structure connecting Battersea with Chelsea, has been closed for repairs since early February 2026. Now an investigation into the bridge – which first opened in 1873 – has found that the structure might be in worse condition than was previously thought. As only one of two London bridges that have never been replaced (along with Tower Bridge), it’s no surprise that that Grade II-listed crossing is in need of some extra care and attention.
Kensington and Chelsea Council has decided that Albert Bridge needs a full repair and will have to be closed for at least another year. The investigation discovered that the cast iron component of the bridge has cracked, affecting a key component that supports a joint between the catenary/cable-stay/edge-girder. This joint is now unstable and is rocking when things like temperature, wind and traffic levels change. Simply: it’s not safe to drive over right now.
However, Albert Bridge still fine to cross on foot, and the bridge remains open to pedestrians and cyclists. It’s currently being monitored by sensors that were installed to measure its movements and make sure its condition doesn’t worsen.
The council has now kicked off £8.5 million worth of works that are expected to take around 12 months. It will see the cracked part fully repaired, unseizing the axle in the structural joint that caused the crack in the first place. The closure will also take the opportunity to further improve the bridge, with preventative measures to stop the components seizing again, as well as a new road surface, refurbished toll booths and bringing forward planned replacement lighting to improve energy efficiency.
Councillor Johnny Thalassites, lead member for environment and planning, said: ‘We know the closure of Albert Bridge is frustrating and inconvenient and I’m very grateful for everyone’s patience. It’s not just important for our residents; it’s a national landmark and a vital river crossing for London. We are committed to reopening the Bridge to traffic and protecting it for generations to come.
‘After the initial investigations, we’ve decided to not just fix what is broken, but to also put in extra measures to try stop this happening again in the future.
‘The bridge is unique, which makes the repair complex and costly. We’re taking the prudent step of accounting for the pressure of a permanent repair in our capital programme, whilst we actively explore external funding options with the Department for Transport and Transport for London.’
Albert Bridge diversions for car drivers
Traffic diversions are in place, with drivers instructed to use Chelsea and Battersea bridges to get across the river instead.
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