Commuter misery caused by Putney Bridge delays will finally end tomorrow morning as the bridge is set to reopen ahead of schedule.
Wandsworth Council have announced that the bridge will officially reopen two weeks ahead of schedule on September 26 at 5am.
The £1.5 million upgrades have seen the road resurfaced and weatherproofed, as well as much needed upgrades to the drainage system and the replacement of footpath paving stones.
Structural damage when a bus crashed into the bridge has also been repaired.
Fixing damage from bus crash is one of last jobs before Putney Bridge reopens at 5am 26/9/14 http://t.co/HuDw0PRq4l pic.twitter.com/ZeQalMjMFW
— Wandsworth Council (@wandbc) September 23, 2014
The characteristic Victorian iron lamp columns have been re-installed with new brighter LED lights.
The Fulham side of the bridge requires further work but this has been stalled pending council approval on specialist wall facings being installed.
Work started in mid-July this year and will have been completed in a total of just 11 weeks – two weeks shy of the original 13-week plan.
Final tasks being finished before Putney Bridge reopens at 5am on Friday, September 26 http://t.co/HuDw0PRq4l pic.twitter.com/M8OpwKjy5B — Wandsworth Council (@wandbc) September 23, 2014
Wandsworth Council paid tribute to the time management of FM Conway Ltd and the town hall’s engineers.
Transport spokesman Councilor Jonathan Cook said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to complete this big task more than two weeks ahead of schedule and also very importantly right on budget.
“It has been a great team effort by everyone concerned.
“I would once again like to thank the traveling public for the great patience they have shown while we have been carrying out these important repairs to Putney Bridge.”
Let there be light! Brighter LED lights added to refurbed Victorian lamp colums on Putney Bridge pic.twitter.com/IdVhsRhxoO
— Wandsworth Council (@wandbc) September 24, 2014
The early reopening has been largely welcomed by Londoners as it has caused severe disruptions and delays to commuter travel times. Despite this delight from most, a minority have expressed mixed feelings as they have enjoyed the peace and quiet. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s PA Jess Fleming said she had mixed feelings about the bridge re-opening.
Mixed feelings about #PutneyBridge re-opening earlier than planned, on Fri 26 Sept… It’s been so nice & quiet these past few mths! #Putney — Jess Fleming (@JessFlemingPA) September 24, 2014
