Strengthening of the Grade II listed Chiswick Bridge in west London has begun.

Transport for London (TfL) commenced the £8M refurbishment last week after survey work found that some sections of the bridge parapet and internal structures have significantly deteriorated since it was built 80 years ago.

As part of the project, set for completion in spring 2015, parapets along the edge of the bridge will be strengthened while concrete repairs will be made inside the structure to reinforce it.

Existing footways and carriageways will be waterproofed and resurfaced and a segregated cycle lane will also be installed on the footpath to improve facilities for cyclists.

TfL chief operating officer for surface transport Garrett Emmerson said: “Chiswick Bridge is a much loved heritage structure in west London, providing a vital river crossing.”

The bridge, which crosses the Thames, carries around 40,000 vehicles as well as hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians daily. These works, Mr Emmerson added: “will restore the bridge to its original splendour and ensure that it can remain a key landmark for years to come.”

Work on the bridge will not result in its closure but two lanes will be reduced to one in both directions during the day to provide a safe working zone. There will also be a weekend closure in the autumn to carry out replacement of bridge expansion joints.

The Chiswick Bridge refurbishment project is part of Structures and Tunnels Investment Portfolio (STIP), which comprises eight key structures including the Hammersmith Flyover.

(Photo: Transport for London)

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