Putney Bridge in Wandsworth reopened on Friday following a £1.5M repair programme which was completed two weeks ahead of schedule.

Wandsworth Council’s contractor FM Conway carried out works on the Grade II Listed structure in less than 11 weeks. Repairs included weatherproofing, laying a brand new road surface, installing new paving stones on footpaths and upgrading drainage.

Work also took place to fix defects in the bridge deck’s concrete structure while special expansion joints have been installed so that the bridge can expand and contract in hot and cold weather without damaging the road surface.

The resurfacing process involved removal of the old road surface to expose the old waterproofing material to be replaced. All remnants of the waterproofing layer were removed and the bridge deck was sand blasted to remove any solvent residues.

The contractor then applied spray waterproofing and protection material to the exposed concrete deck before starting to lay asphalt.

Wandsworth Council’s transport spokesman Councillor Jonathan Cook said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to complete this big task more than two weeks ahead of schedule and also very importantly right on budget. It has been a great team effort by everyone concerned.

“I am sure that when people drive, walk, catch a bus or cycle across the river in the coming days and weeks they will be really impressed at how good the bridge looks and by the quality of the work that has been done.”

Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce chairman Steve Pinto said: “Businesses and members of the public appeared to cope really well with the disruption and these essential repairs should see us through for years to come.”

(Photo: Wandsworth Council)

To return to the newsletter, please close this window.