Officials say they have reduced two expected periods of full closures – one for eight weeks and one for 12 weeks – they have been able to reduce closures to 36 night-time closures following discussions with Transport for London and the City of London Corporation’s own contractors.
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.”
The night-time closures will take place between 11pm and 5am and will be completed by November 2010. the current schedule for closures is as follows:
Closed to vehicles only:
Monday 28 June – Thursday 1 July
Saturday 3 July – Thursday 8 July
Monday 12 July – Thursday 15 July
Saturday 31 July
Monday 16 August
Thursday 23 September
Saturday 9 October
Saturday 30 October – Sunday 31 October
Closed to vehicles and pedestrians:
Monday 30 August – Thursday 2 September
Saturday 4 September – Monday 6 September
Saturday 30 October – Thursday 28 October
Monday 1 November – Wednesday 3 November
During the closures traffic will be diverted via the Rotherhithe Tunnel, London Bridge and Southwark Bridge and TfL will monitor the diversion route to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
TfL Director of Traffic Alan Bristow said the 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.”
