One of central London's most useful river crossings may not be there for you much longer. According to Secret London, Waterloo Bridge is facing a risk of closure, a story that matters to anyone whose London itinerary involves hopping between the South Bank and the West End.

The bridge connects Waterloo station and the South Bank — home to the London Eye, the Southbank Centre and the National Theatre — with Somerset House, Covent Garden and the Strand on the north side. It is one of the busiest crossings in the city for both vehicles and, crucially for visitors, pedestrians. Walkers get the best free skyline view on the Thames here: Westminster upstream, the City skyscrapers downstream, with the London Eye and Big Ben stacked into one panorama.

A closure would not stop London from working — there are plenty of alternatives within a short walk, including Golden Jubilee footbridges beside Hungerford Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge to the east and Westminster Bridge to the west. But it would change the rhythm of a day out. The classic South Bank stroll, which runs from Westminster to Tower Bridge along the water, would lose its prettiest crossing point, and anyone staying near Waterloo station — a hugely popular hotel base for its rail links and value — would face a longer detour to reach Covent Garden or Trafalgar Square.

For now, this is a risk rather than a done deal, so travellers should keep an eye on local news and Transport for London updates before a trip. If you are planning a London break in the coming months, build a little extra crossing time into South Bank days and consider adding stops like Borough Market or the Tate Modern, which sit on the same side of the river as Waterloo and need no bridge at all.

The bigger takeaway: London's Victorian and mid-century bridges are ageing infrastructure, and Waterloo is not the first Thames crossing to need serious work. If you love that view from the middle of the river — sunset is the moment, when the Eye and the City lights start competing — go and see it while you can.

Story via Secret London.