Tower Bridge: details of 3-month road closure confirmed

News of the proposed works to replace the timber decking of the bascules of the famous bridge was first revealed a year ago by this website.

The closure will come into effect on 1 October and continue until the end of the year.

One key change of plan since our earlier report is that the bridge is now likely to remain open for pedestrians apart from three weekends when a free replacement ferry service be provided.

The Tower Bridge Exhibition will be open to the public as usual.

"This decision to close Tower Bridge to vehicles has not been taken lightly, and this course of action has been taken after extensive consultation and planning in conjunction with numerous stakeholders," said Chris Hayward, chairman of the City of London Corporation's Planning and Transport Committee.

"We will use this time to repair, refurbish, and upgrade London's most iconic bridge, which has gone without significant engineering works for more than thirty-five years.

"We will work hard to minimise disruption to both pedestrians and motor vehicles, and the bridge's viewing walkways and exhibitions will stay open for the entirety of the works."

Florence Eshalomi, London Assembly member for Lambeth and Southwark, said: "Whilst this work is clearly necessary, it's vital it doesn't cause chaos on our local roads.

"With the closure of Tooley Street and the recent works for the Cycle Superhighway, we've already experienced a level of disruption that we don't want to see made worse. It's essential that these repairs are delivered to schedule and that the City of London Corporation communicates clearly with road users to ensure disruption is minimal."

Key points

• Northbound motorists will be diverted via Great Dover Street, Borough High Street and London Bridge
• Southbound motorists will be diverted via Southwark Bridge, Southwark Bridge Road, Marshalsea Road and Great Dover Street
• Drivers will not be liable for the congestion charge if they follow the signed diversion routes
• The 42 bus route will be curtailed south of the river during the bridge closure
• Bus routes 78 and RV1 will be diverted via London Bridge in both directions
• Cyclists can either dismount and walk across the bridge or follow a diversion route that will be announced nearer the time