24 June 2010
Final stage of Tower Bridge re-painting programme begins
On Monday 28 June, the final stage of the Tower Bridge
re-painting work will begin. The new paintwork, which has a life
expectancy of 25 years, is essential to protect the structural
steelwork and preserve the historic bridge for future
generations.
The repainting of the pedestrian walkways and the bascules will
take approximately ten months to complete and work will be carried
out seven days a week.
Originally, it was anticipated that two periods of full closures
to Tower Bridge - one for eight weeks and one for 12 weeks, would
be required in order to complete these works. However, by working
together with Transport for London (TfL) and our painting
contractor, these closures have been reduced down to 36 night time
closures, greatly minimising the disruption that these works would
cause to London.
These night-time closures will take place between 11pm and 5am
and will be completed by November 2010.
The closures have been scheduled to avoid any planned closures
to Rotherhithe Tunnel London Bridge and Southwark Bridge, as well
as the forthcoming weekend closures of the Blackwall Tunnel.
Whilst there will be occasions when the night-time closure of
Tower Bridge will coincide with the current night-time southbound
closures to the Blackwall Tunnel. Tower Bridge is not a significant
diversionary route for this traffic and, by limiting the closures
to between 11pm and 5am, any possible conflicts will be minimised.
During this time, river crossings on either side of Tower Bridge
and Blackwall Tunnel will remain open to allow drivers to complete
their journey.
Details of closures on the Tower Bidge
website
During these closures, traffic will be diverted via the
Rotherhithe Tunnel, London Bridge and Southwark Bridge to complete
their journey. TfL will monitor traffic flows on these diversion
routes to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum.
Peter Bennett, City Surveyor, City of London Corporation said.
“We are at the end of our three-year programme to re-paint Tower
Bridge. It is vital to ensure this important London landmark,
built in 1894, stays in good working order for decades to come –
for all of us to use and enjoy.
“We have been working very closely with Transport for London to
ensure the refurbishment is undertaken with as little disruption to
local residents and traffic.”
Alan Bristow, Director of Traffic at TfL said. “By working with
the City of London, we have been able to ensure that these works to
Tower Bridge can be carried out with the minimum disruption to
Londoners.
“The 36 night-time closures have been scheduled to avoid
clashing with any other major works to other river crossings and
TfL will monitor traffic during these closures to ensure that
traffic flow is maintained at all times.”
The Tower Bridge Exhibition will function as normal.
Ends
Press enquires
Fiona Milligan, Press Office, City of London Corporation
Tel: 020 7332 3451 / Mobile: 07900 244 200. Email :
fiona.milligan@cityoflondon.gov.uk
OR James Abbott, Press Office, City of London Corporation
Tel : 0207 332 1754 or Mobile : 07831543188. Email:
James.abbott@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Thomas Canning, Press Office, TfL
Tel: 02071261461/Mobile: 07921943933 . Email:
ThomasCanning@TFL.gov.uk