Riverside Path in Kew Set to Reopen This Summer
Council says work on collapsed section progressing 'as quickly as possible'
The damage towpath near Kew Gardens. Picture: Richmond Council
May 19, 2025
A collapsed section of the Thames Path near Kew Gardens is set to reopen later this summer.
Richmond Council said it is progressing works to repair the popular walking route “as quickly as possible”.
The council previously said the collapse of the towpath on 19 October was likely caused by high winds and river levels, although it was still investigating the incident. Permanent works to reopen the route began on 14 April.
In a new update on the “complex repairs”, Lib Dem councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport Committee, said, “We’ve got work underway to remove sediment from the main channel of the river.
“Once those works happen and we’ve reprofiled the river back to the way it should be, and smoothed an area that will allow access, the sheet piling works that will immediately follow will be taking place.
“So, within days we’ll see the works begin on reinstating the towpath area, which will enable us to move towards our planned reinstatement later this summer.”
The council urged residents and visitors not to try to access the towpath, which has been fenced off at either end, as it is not safe. There are no plans to allow temporary or partial access along the closed section while the works are carried out.
Diversion signs remain in place, with details of alternative routes available on the authority’s website.
The council also plans to tcarry out wider improvements to the Thames Path in Richmond. It appointed consultants in June 2024 to put together a towpath improvement and management plan for the borough. Further updates on these wider plans will be provided in due course.
Councillor Ehmann previously added, “This is a complex job on an important asset for the borough and we are working so hard to make sure we restore this stretch of the towpath as quickly as possible.
“With our developing towpath improvement and maintenance strategy, we will also be able to make sure that our residents and visitors can enjoy this much-loved asset across the whole borough in the face of these climate change pressures for many years to come.”
Charlotte Lilywhite - Local Democracy Reporter
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