Kensington and Chelsea Council is using the closure of Albert Bridge to bring forward a programme of essential refurbishment and maintenance works including repainting the bridge, which began recently.

Other improvements to the bridge will include resurfacing the road and replacing its lighting. The programme of works has been advanced so that future disruption to residents and businesses can be avoided.

Albert Bridge was closed to motor vehicles on 7 February 2026 after a routine inspection identified a crack in a cast-iron component at one of its abutments.

Engineers are carrying out a complex repair, including the manufacture of a bespoke replacement component. The Council is committed to reopening the bridge to traffic as soon as it is safe to do so in 2027.

Cllr Josh Rendall, lead member for transport, said:

“I understand how frustrating the closure of Albert Bridge is for residents. There is no quick fix in replacing a damaged component which is more than 150 years old, but we are on track to reopen the bridge next year.

“In the meantime, we’re making the most of the closure to give this iconic bridge a refreshed paint job in its current colour scheme so that it looks its best when it reopens, and is protected from the elements for years to come.”

Rather than only repair the damaged component and then face further disruption in the future for routine refurbishment, the Council is taking the opportunity created by the current closure to carry out additional works at the same time.

This includes:

• Repainting the bridge’s internal walls and parapets, helping to protect it from the elements. This work is now underway.
• Installing a new, more durable road surface.
• Replacing the bridge lighting with LEDs, improving energy efficiency.
• Refurbishing the historic toll booths.
• Carrying out preventative measures designed to reduce the risk of components seizing and causing further problems in the future.

The Council has committed up to £8.5 million to the full Albert Bridge repair programme and has also submitted a bid to the Department for Transport’s new Structures Fund to help fund part of the work, with successful bids due to be announced in autumn of this year

(Picture: Kensington and Chelse Council)