Temple Footbridge’s centre span came out on Friday 7 November after a calm, nine‑hour lift from a floating pontoon—an operation that finally clears the way for a decision on repair or replacement. The Environment Agency (EA) says the span will now be stored securely for detailed inspection over winter.

Backgound

The EA closed the bridge on 15 May 2023 after multiple structural concerns. Built in 1989 from tropical hardwood with an intended life of about 30 years, the footbridge has outlasted that estimate but needs major work. A floating boom had restricted navigation beneath the bridge for safety.

What happened last week

Contractors re‑mobilised on Monday 3 November. They assembled the lifting gear on a barge, carried out a successful test lift on Thursday 6 November, then proceeded with the main removal on Friday 7 November. Crews incrementally jacked the centre section free to avoid snagging on the side spans before lowering it to the pontoon. Navigation through the reach reopened from Friday afternoon.

What it means for walkers

The Thames Path diversion stays in place. It remains similar in length to the riverside route, but it redirects people along Temple Lane—a national‑speed‑limit road with no pavements—before crossing Marlow Bridge, whose pavements exist but are relatively narrow. The change adds risk rather than minutes. Carry a small torch in winter light, keep dogs close on Temple Lane, and follow the signed waymarks.

Speed on Temple Lane

Local walking groups and parish representatives continue to press for interim measures: a temporary 30mph limit, clearer warnings and better verge cutting. There is no dedicated consultation focused solely on Temple Lane speeds at present, but campaigners are using established channels to push for change while the diversion lasts.

What’s next for the bridge

Engineers will strip and test the lifted span to judge whether a refurbishment is viable. The EA cautions that the volume of hardwood in the current design and potential improvements may make a full rebuild more practical. Outline design work for either refurbishment or replacement is planned to complete by 31 October 2026. That stage will set costs, the funding approach and the delivery route via a suitable government framework. A footpath diversion on designated paths and road crossings will remain in place until works are complete.

For now, the two shore‑side spans stand like bookends on a well‑used chapter of the Thames Path. The goal is simple: bring back a safer, more accessible river crossing that suits everyday walkers.

#Marlow #ThisIsMarlow #ThamesPath #TempleBridge #RiverThames

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