With multiple measures in place to reduce traffic flow and prolong the life of the bridge, in 2009 it carried approximately 19,000 vehicles per day, the lowest usage of any Thames road bridge in London other than the little-used Southwark Bridge. Refurbishment of 2010–2011 The bridge was closed to motor vehicles on 15 February 2010 for refurbishment and strengthening. It was originally expected to remain closed for approximately 18 months, but after the condition of the bridge was found to be worse than expected, it was closed for 22 months. All of the timber in the decking as well as the footway that had rotted away were replaced, with additional timber added for strengthening. Surfaces at the carriageway and pavement decking were replaced. New steel structures were added to strengthen the bridge. All the lightbulbs were changed to more energy-efficient ones. The tollbooths were refurbished. All twelve layers of paint were stripped down until the bare metal was exposed, which was repaired and treated before three new coats of paint were added. The whole project cost £7.2 million of which the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea provided 25% of the cost and the other 75% was provided by Transport for London. It re-opened on 2 December 2011, when two dogs named Prince and Albert, from nearby Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, walked across the bridge to open it officially. All of the Grade II features were retained. In popular culture Its distinctive and striking current appearance has led to its use as a backdrop for numerous films set in the Chelsea area, such as A Clockwork Orange, Absolute Beginners, Sliding Doors, Maybe Baby and Flack. It is also at the centre of a song by The Pogues, "Misty Morning, Albert Bridge" from their Peace and Love album (1989). The bridge appears on the cover of the Thomas Leer and Robert Rental album The Bridge (1979). See also Albert Bridge, Datchet List of bridges in London List of crossings of the River Thames Notes References Citations Bibliography Further reading Beam bridges Bridges across the River Thames Bridges in London Bridges completed in 1873 Former toll bridges in England Grade II* listed bridges in London Grade II* listed buildings in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Grade II* listed buildings in the London Borough of Wandsworth Road bridges in England Suspension bridges in the United Kingdom Transport in the Royal