Major repairs underway to reopen Richmond to Kew towpath

Richmond Council is pleased to announce that major repair works on the Thames towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens car park (Ferry Lane) commenced this week, as part of the Council’s planned programme of works.

The towpath has remained closed since 19 October 2024, following the structural collapse of a section of the pathway. Since then, the Council has undertaken extensive preparatory work to ensure the safe and effective reinstatement of this much-used route.

Initial emergency measures included closing the affected section, implementing a signed diversion, removing fallen vegetation, and installing scour protection to prevent further damage from tidal flow. A specialist marine design team was appointed, and detailed site investigations and surveys were carried out to inform a robust reinstatement plan.

Given the complexity of the site, the Council worked closely with key partners to secure the necessary permissions to begin works – including the Port of London Authority, Environment Agency, The Crown Estate, Syon House, Kew Gardens, the London Borough of Hounslow, and Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Course.

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, said the repairs mark a major step forward in reinstating an important local route.

“This stretch of towpath is a valued route for many in our community – both for leisure and for active travel – and we know its closure has been frustrating for many. We’re pleased that permanent repair works are now underway and progressing on schedule.

“Large engineering projects like this can sometimes face unavoidable delays, but in this case, the Council and partners have worked incredibly hard to keep things on track.

"We said we’d aim to be on site and underway by April — and here we are, on site and getting the work done."

Works are expected to be completed in summer 2025. While the focus is on reinstating the collapsed section, the Council will also be incorporating ecological and safety improvements where possible.

Improving and maintaining the towpath across Richmond upon Thames remains a priority. In June 2024, following a competitive tender process, the Council appointed consultants to develop a comprehensive Towpath Improvement and Management Plan for the entire borough.

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