THE TEDDINGTON LOCK footbridges have been completed and are now open.
This was a major programme of improvement works to the Teddington Lock footbridges, securing a key river crossing for both boaters, pedestrians and cyclists every day, Janet Friend reports.
£6.7 millions
The project, which began in June 2023, saw extensive repairs to the suspension footbridge and the iron truss footbridge, backed by a £6.7 million investment led by Richmond Council.
Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of Richmond Council's Transport and Air Quality Committee, explained:
"The Teddington Lock footbridges are a lifeline between Teddington on the south side of the river and Ham on the north, with more than 5,000 pedestrian and 2,000 cycle movements on a typical weekday.
"Thanks to these much-needed improvements, the bridges are now safer, stronger, and built to last for years to come.
"We've worked hard with contractors to minimise disruption, keeping access open for the vast majority of the project.
"I thank residents for their patience and I am delighted that we have delivered this project on time and within budget."
Large scale restoration
The large-scale restoration involved meticulous planning and execution, including:
∗ 140 night shifts and 95 weeknight closures, plus two full weekend closures, to complete essential works
∗ 40,000+ working hours to deliver structurally sound and refreshed bridges
∗ 300 steel repairs using 14m² of replacement steel
∗ 340-ton bags and 2,200 sandbags to construct a dam for rebuilding the Ferry Road approach ramp
∗ 260 tins of specialist protective paint applied to extend the lifespan of the bridges
It was a structural inspection in 2019 that identified safety-critical and urgent repairs and formed the basis of the works which were delivered in three key phases.