A busy road in Hither Green will close this weekend for Network Rail to perform bridge repairs.

Network Rail is set to carry out essential works on the crash protection beam of St Mildred's Road Bridge.

The repairs start at 10pm on Friday, September 6, and is expected to finish by 4am on Monday, September 9.

The work involves removing, refurbishing, and repainting the beam before lifting it back into place.

To ensure safety, Network Rail has confirmed that St Mildred's Road will be “fully closed” through the whole weekend, but pedestrian access will remain, with staff guiding people through a safe route under the bridge.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said diversions will be in place and works will be taking place at night, to “minimise disruption to pedestrians”.

In a letter addressed to people living near the bridge, Network Rail warned that noise disturbance is “unavoidable” due to the tools used and the need to alert track staff to train movements.

A Network Rail spokesperson told the News Shopper: “We need to strengthen and repair the crash beam on the bridge at St Mildred’s Road, and to do this we need to remove and then replace it.

“To do this, we must use two large cranes and close the road so that we can operate them safely.

“We’re sorry for the disruption that this may cause to people the local area, but this is safety-critical work. We’ll do the work and re-open the road as soon as we can.

“We’ve worked with Transport for London and Lewisham Council to put a diversionary route in place, and we’ve planned this work so that pedestrians can still have access underneath the bridge.

“The work to lift the beams will take place at night so we minimise disruption to pedestrians.”

The News Shopper contacted Lewisham Council about the repairs, and said it has “not been informed or provided with the diversion route.”