Albert Bridge, the iconic Victorian crossing spanning the River Thames between Chelsea and Battersea, has been closed to pedestrians and cyclists while essential maintenance and structural works are carried out. The closure affects all non-motorised users of the bridge.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which is responsible for the bridge's upkeep, announced the closure as part of ongoing efforts to preserve the 153-year-old Grade II-listed structure. Albert Bridge is one of London's most recognisable landmarks, known for its ornate pink and green paintwork and its distinctive illuminated appearance at night.
The bridge has a long history of requiring careful maintenance due to its age and the volume of traffic it carries. Notices at the bridge's entrance famously instruct troops to break step when crossing, a precaution dating back to concerns about the resonance caused by marching soldiers.
Pedestrians and cyclists are advised to use alternative crossings, including Battersea Bridge to the west or Chelsea Bridge to the east, while works are ongoing. No confirmed reopening date has been publicly announced at the time of publication.
