After many delayed repairs, a section of path new Kew Gardens in West London will now finally reopen on 8th November.
The walking and cycling route that connected Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens had been devastated in October 2024. At that time, high winds and heavy rain resulted in a section of the Thames at Syon Reach collapsing into the water.
An area close to the Mid-Surrey Golf Club and Old Deer Park ended up being cordoned off, and Richmond Council sent engineers to the site to investigate.
The incident was serious enough that the Port of London Authority had to issue an alert to river traffic to “proceed with caution” along the affected section of the river.
Alexander Ehmann, Liberal Democrat councillor and chair of the Richmond Council’s transport committee, said: “This has been one of the most technically demanding riverbank repairs we’ve undertaken.”
This can be especially noted by the fact that repairs began in April and should have been completed in Summer 2025. However, Richmond Council had reported struggling with “challenging tidal and ground conditions” that meant additional piling and further reinforcement was needed.
Earlier in the year, Mr Ehmann said “In addition to these works, we’ve also taken the opportunity to undertake remedial works on the towpath from Richmond Lock to the location of the breach,”
“These works have included clearing a blocked culvert, replacing a non-return valve and stabilising sections of the towpath, as well as making some surface level improvements.”
The path has now reportedly been stabilised, and crews from the contractor have completed work to ensure the area is futureproofed as best as can be.
Walkers, joggers, and cyclists will be able to enjoy the route again very soon.
