TfL BLOCKS heavy vehicles from using Vauxhall Bridge after structural deterioration found

Transport for London (TfL) will introduce a safety-critical temporary 18-tonne weight restriction on Vauxhall Bridge from 1 July 2026 after a recent assessment found elements of the structure had deteriorated.

The restriction will apply to vehicles above 18 tonnes, except buses and emergency vehicles. TfL said bus services will continue to operate as normal, with no route changes planned.

Vauxhall Bridge carries around 39,500 vehicles a day. TfL said about 200 of those vehicles, equivalent to around 0.5% of current traffic, are above 18 tonnes and are typically heavy goods vehicles.

Vehicles exceeding the limit will be directed to signed diversion routes for both northbound and southbound journeys. The bridge has already been closed to abnormal loads since 2023, covering vehicles above 44 tonnes gross weight or 11.5 tonnes per axle.

TfL will introduce a temporary 18-tonne restriction on Vauxhall Bridge from 1 July 2026 after inspections found parts of the structure had deteriorated.

TfL said previous assessments had shown the bridge to be safe, but the latest inspection found some deterioration in the structure. The transport authority said the bridge does not currently pose a risk to users, but the restriction is being introduced to prevent further damage while repairs and longer-term plans are developed.

Carl Eddleston, TfL’s Director of Streets and Network Operations, said the measure was precautionary and intended to protect the bridge while keeping it open.

Eddleston said: “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. While the bridge remains safe, limiting heavier vehicles helps us protect and keep it open while we develop the long‑term improvements it needs. 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.”