The City of London has issued further details of the repainting works to Tower Bridge which start later this month.
The works will be carried out in phases with Phase 1 being the South Approach Span (from the south end of the bridge to the first of the two central towers). This initial phase is expected to last approximately 6 months.
City chiefs say work to the central and northern spans will not be carried out this year but are included in later phases. The bridge will remain open to pedestrians and vehicles and the Tower Bridge Exhibition will remain open throughout the works.
The work involves stripping the existing paintwork to reveal the bridge’s steelwork before applying 22,000 litres of new blue, white and red paint.
To ensure no debris from the work falls into the river the sections being stripped will be covered by enclosed scaffolding which will include a ledge below the bridge to collect any falling fragments. This area will be vacuumed every day in order to ensure no debris is deposited into the water.
Bridge Director David Wight said: “It’s 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.”
The £4 million budget is being provided by a trust which dates
back 800 years and provides for the five City bridges.
