Albert Bridge closure causes gridlock as residents demand urgent repairs

More than 1,100 residents have signed an open letter demanding the urgent repair and reopening of Albert Bridge in West London. The crossing has been closed to vehicle traffic since February following the discovery of a crack in a cast iron component. While pedestrians and cyclists can still use the bridge, the closure has caused significant traffic gridlock, with residents reporting that journeys now take 40% to 50% longer.

Kensington and Chelsea Council, the bridge owner, stated that repairs costing up to £8.5 million could see the bridge remain closed to vehicles until 2027. The council is seeking part-funding from Transport for London (TfL) and the Department for Transport, though London Mayor Sadiq Khan has indicated that the responsibility for funding and renewing the bridge lies with the borough.

Council transport lead Josh Rendall noted that the 150-year-old structure predates motor vehicles, making repairs complex and difficult to hurry. The letter sent to local councils and the Mayor of London described the situation as a “significant quality-of-life issue” rather than a mere inconvenience.