The towpath between Kew Bridge and Richmond has reopened having been closed for just over a year.
A ribbon was cut on Saturday morning on the short restored stretch of path by Kew councillor and deputy mayor Clare Vollum whose wide knowledge and interest in the river includes her Thames Strategy chairmanship.
The towpath at Kew is a causeway between the Thames and a flood channel which empties into the river just above Richmond railway bridge. At very high tide this outflow can take in water which travels back along the narrow channel to be deposited into the river at Kew where the breach occurred.
Richmond transport cabinet member Alexander Ehmann said the project presented the most challenging ground and tidal conditions.
‘Thousands of walkers, runners, cyclists and commuters use this route every year and it’s a crucial part of how we connect with the Thames, the environment, our communities and indeed how we connect with our past and seeing it open today is exactly why we do this work.’
Project manager Sam Emmett recalled that the breach occurred on 19 October last year and the team was on site by April with many consents having been required. Materials were brought upstream from Rainham.
Design engineer Judy Eid said that there were design complexities as the system of the towpath and drain dated back to the 1700s and there was no documentation of any repairs.
Speaking for contractors Conway, Toby Allen confirmed that the main work was delivered by river with close monitoring of tide times. A large crane was positioned on one of two pontoons and on average twenty individuals were on site each day.
