Bridge closes to traffic after cracks found

Albert Bridge in west London has been closed to traffic after cracks were found in a cast iron component.

Kensington and Chelsea Council previously said concerns had been raised during routine maintenance of the 150-year-old crossing, which connects Battersea to Chelsea.

It said all similar components were now being checked using ultrasonic technology to review and scan.

An update on the timeline for repairs is expected later this month, following investigations.

The route remains open to pedestrians, with traffic being diverted via Chelsea Bridge and Battersea Bridge.

Councillor Johnny Thalassites, the council's lead member for environment and planning, said the structure "requires constant care and attention".

"The safety of the bridge's users is our absolute priority, so we have taken the precautionary step of closing the bridge to vehicles to allow our expert teams to carry out further investigations," he said, adding that work was progressing "at pace".

Opened in 1873, Albert Bridge is a Grade II-listed structure and one of only two London bridges never to have been replaced, along with Tower Bridge.

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