A new 'safety-critical' 18-tonne weight restriction will be introduced on the Vauxhall Bridge in London from 1 July, except for buses and emergency vehicles, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.
The new restrictions follow an assessment that found elements of the structure have recently deteriorated and have a lower weight-bearing capacity than previously assessed.
The bridge has been closed to abnormal loads (any vehicle exceeding 44 tonnes gross weight or 11.5 tonnes per axle) since 2023.
'The bridge does not currently pose any risk to people using it, these new measures are being introduced to avoid any further damage, while TfL works to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and develop a long-term plan for the bridge's future,' the capital's transport authority said in a press statement.
Signed diversion routes for vehicles above the 18-tonne weight will be put in place for those travelling both northbound and southbound. No bus routes will be affected by the restriction and buses will continue to run as normal. Emergency vehicles will also be unaffected by the weight restriction.
Carl Eddleston, TfL's director of streets and network operations, said: 'Safety is our top priority, and we know how important Vauxhall Bridge is for people travelling across London. This is why we're taking this precautionary step to introduce a weight restriction to the bridge.
'While the bridge remains safe, limiting heavier vehicles helps us protect and keep it open while we develop the long term improvements it needs. We are sorry for any disruption caused by the restriction, and we'll continue to monitor the area closely, ensuring we keep people updated as this work progresses.'
Vauxhall Bridge carries 39,500 vehicles every day, of which only around 200 – around 0.5% of current traffic – are more than 18-tonnes and typically heavy goods vehicles.
TfL has a programme of regular inspections for all structures across its road network with associated refurbishment projects where required.
