Weeknight access restrictions to Teddington Lock footbridge has been lifted despite phase two of repair works are set to begin later than anticipated. 

Previously scheduled for completion at the end of the calendar year, Richmond Council has announced phase one of the Teddington Lock footbridge repairs is now "nearly complete". 

Phase one of the works began in summer 2023 and was, according to council documents, due to be completed by the end of the calendar year, "weather and other conditions permitting". 

Phase two of the works, initially planned to commence December 2023 or January 2024, has now been pushed back to sometime in spring 2024 according to a council announcement. 

The phase two works include replacing the Ferry Road approach ramp which will take place in spring 2024.   

Due to the bridges' restricted width, the council limited access (from the end of August) over the bridges when working on the inside parapets. Full access is maintained on Saturday and Sunday nights. 

Work was planned to be completed at the end of 2023; however, the council found the bridges condition "far worse than anticipated" so repairs have cost a further £2.7m as well as increasing the duration of maintenance. 

Repair works involved removing the areas of corrosion, repairing and replacing any steel work across both structures along with the application of a new protective paint system.  

Works have also been carried on the timber structures on the island between the bridges and on the Ham approach. 

A spokesperson from Richmond Council said: "The original scope of works has expanded to include more steel repair due to the condition of the bridge, which were only identified as the first phase of works got underway.

"We were on track to complete these within the original timeframe, but unfortunately the storm events in December and the heavy rain, very high river levels and low temperatures we have experienced this month have cause minor delays. 

"We are looking to move into phase two as early as possible and are working with critical partners to confirm the programme dates."

If you have any questions about the Teddington Lock footbridges improvement works, please email [email protected].