Major Blackfriars Bridge refurb set to resume

"Planned works to the complete the refurbishment of Blackfriars Bridge will start in late October. The City Bridge Foundation, which owns the bridge, will spend just under 10.8m to repair and paint more than 2,000 cast iron balusters, to restore it to "its Victorian splendour". Chair of the City Bridge Foundation, Deputy Paul Martinelli, said the renovation would be "carried out at no cost to the taxpayer", with the crossing not having to be shut to traffic."

"Work is due to start on 22 October and run to 21 October in 2027, with a possible extension to 2028. The initial refurbishment to restore the 156-year-old bridge was finished in 2023, but the final work was delayed until the Tideway super sewer project was completed. Phase one focussed on repairing and restoring the cast iron balusters, and repainting two of the bridge's spans."

"Mr Martinelli said this would "not only improve its appearance, but also protect the structure of the bridge and extend its lifespan". As with the first refurbishment, there will not be significant closures to carriageways or footways, although there may be occasional off-peak lane closures for deliveries, according to the foundation. The Blackfriars Railway Bridge will be unaffected by the upgrade."

Phase two of the Blackfriars Bridge refurbishment will run from 22 October to 21 October 2027, with a possible extension to 2028. The City Bridge Foundation will spend just under 10.8m to repair and paint more than 2,000 cast iron balusters and apply gilding embellishments where appropriate. The initial refurbishment finished in 2023 but final work was delayed until the Tideway super sewer project completed. The renovation will be carried out at no cost to the taxpayer and should not require full closure of carriageways or footways, though occasional off-peak lane closures may occur for deliveries. Taziker Industrial, with FM Conway and Alltask, will deliver the works. The foundation owns multiple London bridges and traces origins to a late 11th-century charity.

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