Towpath reopening confirmed following major repair works

Residents will soon be able to enjoy the Thames towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens again, with the official reopening set for Saturday 8 November, weather and river conditions permitting – marking a major milestone in restoring this popular riverside route. 

The towpath is now in its final stages of restoration, with crews completing essential works to strengthen and protect the riverbank. The new date follows a short delay caused by challenging tidal and ground conditions, which required additional piling and reinforcement to ensure the long-term stability of the path. 
 
Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of Richmond Council’s Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: “This has been one of the most technically demanding riverbank repairs we’ve undertaken – and our teams and partners have shown tremendous skill and persistence in managing these complex conditions. 
 
“The short delay ensures we deliver a safe, high-quality repair that will stand up to the tidal Thames for many years to come. We thank residents for their patience and look forward to welcoming them back to this much-loved route from next weekend.” 
 
The improvement works include reinstating the culvert and causeway – designed to safely overtop first during high tides, helping to reduce erosion elsewhere along the towpath and direct water towards the newly reinforced section. The project also delivers new safety and ecological features that make the path stronger, greener, and more enjoyable for everyone who walks, cycles, or runs along the Thames. 
 
Alongside the main repair, teams have also carried out additional improvements along the wider towpath between Richmond Lock and the breach site – clearing blocked culverts and stabilising sections of the path. These works are part of a wider effort to care for and futureproof the borough’s riverside, ensuring it remains safe and accessible.

Join the reopening 

Residents are warmly invited to a short reopening event at 10am on Saturday 8 November, near the Richmond Lock end of the towpath, to celebrate the completion of the works and the return of this popular route.