Vauxhall Bridge maintenance closure will allow some access to taxis, buses, bikes and pedestrians

Vauxhall Bridge will be closed to general traffic until November, with access maintained over the bridge at all times for people walking and cycling, as well as southbound buses, coaches and taxis.

Transport for London (TfL) is encouraging road users to check before they travel ahead of the critical maintenance to Vauxhall Bridge. The bridge will be closed to general traffic in both directions from 8pm Sunday 9 August until late November to allow for vital maintenance of the Edwardian structure.

The work includes bridge deck waterproofing, resurfacing the footway and carriageway, drainage improvements, kerb works and replacing the bridge's expansion joints.

Completing these works will address the corrosion and deterioration of the structural metalwork and bearings, allowing further repairs to take place on the underside of the bridge at a later date.

TfL will continue to monitor the bridge to determine the timing of future repairs to the underside, which are not currently expected to disrupt traffic.

Vauxhall Bridge will be closed to general traffic in both directions and vehicles will be placed on diversion to allow for the work to take place safely. Alternative diversion routes will be clearly signed.

At the start of works, southbound licensed taxis will be able to drive across the bridge. Other vehicles will be on diversion. This access may change later say TfL.

If private hire vehicles follow the signed diversion route they will not need to pay the Congestion Charge or Ultra Low Emission Zone charges.

Travellers are being advised that that the quietest times are between 10am and 3pm or after 7pm, while public transport users will find it's better to travel between 8.15am - 4pm and after 5.30pm on weekdays and before midday and after 6pm on weekends.

Nick Fairholme, Director of Project and Programme Delivery at TfL, said: “The work to upgrade Vauxhall Bridge is critical to keep London moving. Vauxhall Bridge is a vital part of London's road network and by doing this work now, we're protecting it for decades to come.

“We'd advise anyone who usually travels through the area to travel outside of the rush hour where possible, and would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience while this essential maintenance is ongoing.”