Bridges, subways and walls

The refurbishment works of the Cox’s Walk footbridge completed in November 2024. The delay in the completion was due to the waterproofing and resurfacing of the deck for the bridge. The footpath through the woods is now fully open.

We’re responsible for maintaining:

• more than 70 bridges 
• subways
• walls that form part of the highway, for example, a retaining wall or embankment wall

Maintenance and problem reporting

We inspect all our bridges and subways regularly. We have a maintenance programme to make sure that they stay safe. 

Contact us to report any accidents, flooding or other problems that could make a bridge, subway or wall unsafe. 

Damage to bridges caused by vehicles 

If you witness a vehicle striking a bridge or causing damage, make a note of the vehicle registration details and report it to us. We may be able to trace the vehicle and recover the costs of repairing any damage.

Read GOV.UK’s guide to preventing vehicles from hitting bridges to learn more about:

• how drivers, transport staff and bridge owners can prevent vehicles from hitting bridges
• what to do if a bridge strike happens

Bridge weight restrictions and bridge strengthening

The maximum weight permitted on bridges in Southwark is 40 tonnes. All of the bridges that we look after are regularly assessed to make sure that they're strong enough to support this weight. 

Bridges waiting for strengthening works may have a temporary weight restriction put in place. This will be clearly marked by signs on the road near the bridge.

Bridges and subways maintained by other organisations

Some bridges and subways within Southwark are owned and maintained by other organisations. 

Contact:

• the Corporation of London for bridges crossing the Thames
• Network Rail for railway bridges 
• Transport for London (TfL) about the Rotherhithe tunnel or any tunnels maintained by subways under red routes, like under Elephant and Castle roundabouts