Thames Path By Kew to Open Later Than Planned
Collapsed section not expected to be repaired until October
The damage towpath near Kew Gardens. Picture: Richmond Council
August 6, 2025
A collapsed section of the Thames Path in Kew will reopen later than planned. Richmond Council said the reopening of the popular walking and cycling route, between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens, has been pushed back from later this summer to October.
The council said its contractor is working with officers to resolve issues that have come up while carrying out repairs to the towpath, including “challenging access and ground conditions”. Permanent works to repair the route began on 14 April, after it collapsed on 19 October last year due to high winds and river levels.
Lib Dem councillor Alexander Ehmann, chair of the transport committee, said the authority is committed to restoring the popular route “as swiftly and safely as possible”.
In a fresh update on the works, Councillor Ehmann said, “Constraints on the planting equipment that can be used on the tidal Thames, alongside challenging access and ground conditions, have made the installation of the sheet piles… which are critical to reinforcing the riverbank, more complex than expected. Despite these challenges, our contractor is working tirelessly alongside council officers to overcome the issues, and to keep this project moving forward.
“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.”
Diversions remain in place at either end of the towpath, which is fenced off, with details of alternative routes available on the council’s website. The authority is still asking residents and visitors not to try to access the towpath, as it is not safe.
Councillor Ehmann added, “These interventions form part of a longer-term strategic approach to maintaining our riverside assets, ensuring they remain safe, accessible and resilient for years to come.”
Charlotte Lilywhite - Local Democracy Reporter
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