Weight limit introduced on Vauxhall Bridge

"A new weight restriction will be introduced on Vauxhall Bridge from 1 July after a recent assessment found signs of deterioration, according to Transport for London. The 18tonne limit has been described as "safety critical" by TfL and will remain in place while the transport authority develops plans to address structural concerns and sets out a longterm strategy for the bridge. Emergency vehicles and buses will be exempt from the restriction, with no changes to routes."

"Carl Eddleston, TfL's director of streets and network operations, said: "While the bridge remains safe, limiting heavier vehicles helps us protect and keep it open while we develop the longterm improvements it needs." A diversion route will be put in place for vehicles weighing more than 18 tonnes travelling both northbound and southbound. TfL said the bridge did not currently pose a risk to users and that the measures were being introduced to prevent further damage."

"Vauxhall Bridge carries about 39,500 vehicles each day, of which around 200 roughly 0.5% of traffic weigh more than 18 tonnes and are typically heavy goods vehicles. The bridge has already been subject to restrictions since 2023 for vehicles exceeding 44 tonnes gross weight or 11.5 tonnes per axle. Eddleston added: "Safety is our top priority, and we know how important Vauxhall Bridge is for people travelling across London.""

""This is why we're taking this precautionary step to introduce a weight restriction to the bridge. "We are sorry for any disruption caused by the restriction, and we'll continue to monitor the area closely, ensuring we keep people updated as this work progresses." Vauxhall Bridge is not the only crossing facing concerns about its structural condition, amid wider issues affecting London's bridges. The cost of the repairs will be around 8.5m and it is expected to remain closed for up to a year."

A new 18-tonne weight restriction will be introduced on Vauxhall Bridge from 1 July after an assessment found signs of deterioration. The limit will remain in place while Transport for London develops plans to address structural concerns and sets out a long-term strategy for the bridge. Emergency vehicles and buses will be exempt, and routes will not change. A diversion route will apply to vehicles over 18 tonnes traveling both northbound and southbound. Transport for London said the bridge does not currently pose a risk to users and that the measures are precautionary to prevent further damage. The bridge carries about 39,500 vehicles daily, with roughly 0.5% exceeding 18 tonnes, and it has already faced restrictions since 2023 for heavier vehicles.

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