The historic Hungerford Railway Bridge, a vital link spanning the River Thames between London's South Bank and Charing Cross station, is set to undergo an extensive restoration to preserve its 161-year-old structure.

Work is scheduled to begin on January 18, 2025, and is expected to conclude by the end of winter 2028.

The wrought iron lattice girders that form the bridge have been in place since 1864, making ongoing maintenance essential to ensure the safety and reliability of this critical railway route. The bridge carries trains over the Thames, flanked by two modern pedestrian walkways, and connects the South Bank near Waterloo Station to Charing Cross Station on the north side.


Engineers will prepare and paint the bridge, inspect the truss pins that hold the structure’s supports together, and replace the pin end caps on the girders. Importantly, all original metalwork will be retained and refurbished to preserve the bridge’s historic character.

The project will be carried out in two phases:

• Phase 1 (January 2025–January 2026): Work will focus on the spans on the South Bank and the southern side of the Thames.

• Phase 2 (January 2026–Winter 2028): The main refurbishment will address the remaining spans across the river.

Additional weekend closures will occur between 2026 and 2028 to facilitate the work, with specific dates to be announced.

Network Rail's refurbishment of Hungerford Bridge underscores its commitment to preserving vital historical infrastructure while ensuring modern functionality for passengers. The restoration will safeguard the bridge’s structural integrity, maintaining a key transport link in central London for generations to come.

Passengers are advised to check for updates on service changes during the restoration period.