Richmond Council has announced that access to Teddington Lock's bridges will have to be restricted after confirming the completion of the first phase of the Teddington Lock footbridges improvement works.

The first phase, commencing last summer (2023) focused on the Teddington Lock Suspension Bridge and Lock Cut Bridge.

Both are Grade II listed, having been originally completed in 1889 with help from donations from local residents and businesses.

Improvements made have included removing the areas of corrosion, repairing and replacing any steel work, and the application of a new protective paint system to further improve the lifespan of the two bridges.

Some work is continuing on the timber ramps surrounding the bridges, with one on the island between the two and another on the Ham side of Lock Cut Bridge.

These secondary works are required to keep the river crossing accessible for wheelchair users, pushchairs, and cyclists.

Phase two improvements will work to replace the nearby approach ramp along Ferry Road.

These repairs are set to take around six months, beginning 18 March.

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The project will be "complex" according to the council, as work cannot begin without both a dam surrounding the existing ramp and a temporary replacement ramp in place.

Richmond Council's commitment to keeping the bridges accessible during the Early May Bank Holiday may limit the disruption faced by businesses near the lock (Photo: Oliver Monk)

Access to the footbridges will not be possible any time the council detach and reattach the old, temporary and new ramps.

To limit disruption, the closures will be restricted to two weekends, from Friday evening to Monday morning, with the exact dates still to be revealed.

The first closure is expected to take place roughly six weeks after repairs begin, which would be around the beginning of May.

However, Richmond Council has said they will not restrict access to the crossing over the Early May Bank Holiday.