FM Conway has won a contract to deliver major maintenance works to one of the world’s most famous bridges, although the structure itself is in no danger.
The infrastructure services company will carry out a full replacement of London Bridge’s waterproofing and abutment bearings, which it said will reinvigorate the structure.
The firm pointed out that despite being renowned in British history, the current bridge (above) is actually one of the UK’s more modern bridges, having only been on the Thames since 1973, with its simple design is typical of the time period it was designed.
Structures director Matthew Smith said: ‘We are delighted to continue our partnership with the City of London Corporation and Aecom to deliver this complex and high-profile structural maintenance project.’
The contract will see the removal and replacement of the existing surfacing on the carriageway and footways, the repair of the concrete surface to achieve the appropriate exterior for waterproofing, followed by the replacement of the abutment bearings at the north and south end of the bridge.
FM Conway said the works will pose some 'interesting' challenges as London Bridge is the busiest of all the Thames crossings, with 60,000 people using the footways at each rush hour, and the carriageways being the crossing point of the Thames for 12 different bus routes.
The bridge is also part of some significant London events during the refurbishment, such as the London Marathon, Vitality London 10K Run, UEFA Euro 2020, London Triathlon, FreeCycle, and RideLondon, so FM Conway will need to ensure general traffic can continue to use the bridge.
Work starts on 16 March and is set to run through until October with diversions – agreed with TfL – to be put in place over 26 weeks, including arrangements for out of hours working.
The bridge is to remain open for buses, registered taxis, cycles and pedestrians during the works, and access to the firing range and gymnasium situated in the abutments is also to be maintained.
