Barn Elms Reach to Wandsworth Reach - Fulham Rail Bridge - Drone Survey Works

From Tuesday 28th to Friday 31st October 2025, contractors working on behalf of TfL will be conducting a non-intrusive drone survey of Fulham Rail Bridge. These works will take place between the hours of 0830 and 1630 and are expected to last 4 days.

The survey will include but is not limited to; a drone launched from a RHIB, inspecting within arches 2, 3 and 4 of Fulham Rail Bridge. The drone will perform multiple inspections of each arch for approximately 15 minutes at a time, including launch and recovery time. The vessel SS PIONEER will also act as a guard boat and keep a lookout for incoming vessels in conjunction with shoreside spotters. 

The guard boat will contact incoming vessels to clarify their arch use and make passing agreements where necessary. Should the survey need to leave the arch to ensure the safe passage of others, the vessel and drone will do so in good time. The vessel will not stop or hold position within any arch or the authorised channel unless necessary for drone launching or recovery – ensuring operations do not affect the safety of navigation. 

River users should navigate with caution, maintaining a proper lookout at all times.  

The vessel SS PIONEER chartered from Safety Boats UK, will monitor VHF Channel 14 and inform London VTS at the beginning and end of each period of work.