Wandsworth Bridge, which opened in 1940 and spans the River Thames in south London, is to undergo a critical bridge bearing replacement over the next few weeks.
Wandsworth Bridge, which spans the River Thames in south London, is to undergo a bridge bearing replacement over the next few weeks. New Civil Engineer reports that the landmark bridge, which opened in 1940, will be closed to all traffic until 1 October. It connects the A217 road between Battersea and Parsons Green.
Bearings enable bridges to safely expand and contract with movement caused by temperature fluctuations. This is a particular risk during heat waves or spells of icy weather. They also provide flexibility between the bridge and the substructure or superstructure to help it cope with traffic loads, high winds, earthquakes, and the weight of the bridge itself.
Wandsworth Council cabinet member for transport Jenny Yates said: “I’m pleased to report that the initial phase of hydraulic lifting was completed successfully.”
“There will be a repeat of this operation when attention will turn to the raising of the southern stretch of the bridge which will give us access to those bearings, allowing us to remove the old ones and replace them with the new.”
She added: “Once the new bearings have been fitted, the bridge deck will be waterproofed to prevent future internal corrosion, to be followed by full carriageway resurfacing. At this stage of the project I’m very happy to report that this crucial repair scheme is on course to complete on time and on budget.”
The original Wandsworth Bridge was a toll bridge constructed in 1873 in anticipation of a new railway terminus on the north bank. However, the terminus never materialised and the bridge was underused. It was unsuitable for buses and was eventually demolished in 1937. The present bridge was designed by Sir Thomas Peirson Frank and opened in 1940.
The steel cantilever structure was painted a dull light blue colour for camouflage purposes during WWII, and it still retains this colour today.