Brooks Lane Footbridge Reopens Ahead of Schedule
Relief for Strand School families who feared extended journeys
The newly refurbished bridge is expected to last 30 years. Picture: Helen Staunton
August 22, 2026
The Brooks Lane footbridge has reopened earlier than expected, with the crossing was made accessible again this Monday (17 August), more than a week ahead of the original timetable. The bridge, which links Waldeck Road and Brooks Lane across the railway line, had been due to remain shut for around five weeks following the discovery of serious structural defects during a routine inspection on 24 July.
The early reopening will come as a relief to families with children Strand-on-the-Green Schools, many of whom were facing the prospect of a significantly extended walk at the start of the new school term. The closure had revived frustration among residents, who have endured repeated shutdowns over the past two years and complained of poor communication.
There is still some snagging to be completed, but the bridge will remain open and Network Rail says that the chance of future unexpected closures has been reduced significantly.
The bridge was sealed off without warning in late July after engineers identified damage beneath layers of paint and rust. Emergency works began immediately, including extensive jet washing that caused late-night noise and disturbance for nearby households. Chiswick Riverside councillor Rick Rowe visited the site several times during the closure and pressed Network Rail to reduce disruption and provide clearer updates. Following his intervention, the site manager confirmed that the noisiest works would be completed by 1pm on Sunday 26 July.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the bridge’s condition, and previous proposals to make the crossing fully accessible were rejected at the pre-planning stage in 2023 because they were not considered a like-for-like replacement.
A spokesperson for South Western Railway & Network Rail Wessex said, “The Brooks Lane footbridge reopened on Monday 17 August, with its lifespan extended for up to 30 years.
“We would like to thank customers for their patience while these works were carried out.”
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