When will Hammersmith Bridge reopen for cars? Plans to be submitted

The Hammersmith Bridge closure passed the four-year mark this month, and a planning application for repair work is finally set to be submitted in the coming weeks.

The bridge, across the Thames from Hammersmith, reopened for pedestrians and cyclists in 2021 but it remains closed for motor vehicles. The nearest crossings are Chiswick and Putney bridges.

Built in 1887, the bridge is one of the world’s oldest suspension bridges and was shut in 2019 after cracks appeared in the pedestals.

Hammersmith and Fulham (H&F) Council, which owns Hammersmith Bridge, has commissioned Foster + Partners and COWI to develop plans to restore the structure.

A H&F spokesperson said: “We are on course to complete the stabilisation of the globally unique Grade-II Victorian bridge with the recent specialist installation of 1,220 pieces of steel.

“The plans for restoration continue with our public consultation on a temporary double-decker truss structure which will enable the full repairs. The planning application for this is expected to be submitted towards the end of this month.”

Hammersmith Bridge toll

The spokesperson added: “H&F intends to fund its share of the project through a toll in the light of the government’s unprecedented funding decision.”

A £3 toll has previously been debated, although H&F residents would be exempt.

The restoration is to be paid jointly by the Department for Transport, H&F Council and Transport for London (TfL), a spokesperson for the mayor confirmed.

Project costs

According to New Civil Engineer, a H&F spokesperson said the planning application is not expected to be particularly straightforward.

“For a start you have two planning authorities [H&F on the north side of the Thames and London Borough of Richmond upon Thames on the south] so we have to essentially do the process twice and ensure both sides are satisfied, along with Historic England,” they said. “Both councils are supportive of the repair and restoration because we really do want to get it open for the communities.”

The publication also estimated that the final cost of the bridge’s restoration could come in at between £141m and £163m.

‘Ducking responsibility’

City Hall Conservatives have accused the mayor of “ducking responsibility” in relation to getting the bridge restored in a timely manner.

While owned by H&F Council, TfL has overall responsibility as the strategic transport authority.

The group claims that rather than complete the job, Mr Khan has instead resorted to asking central government for more money.

Tony Devenish AM, City Hall Conservatives environment spokesperson, said: “It is time for Sadiq Khan to stop ducking responsibility and start doing his job, by getting this bridge open. The continued closure of Hammersmith Bridge is a blight on the city and a symbol of Sadiq Khan’s seven years of failure.

“The mayor needs to treat this as a priority, make sure there are no more delays, and restore this vital transport link as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for the mayor said: “The progress of vital stabilisation works on Hammersmith Bridge is crucial for local residents and all those who rely on the bridge.

“TfL is providing a third of this cost alongside the Department for Transport and Hammersmith & Fulham Council, and will continue to work with these partners to identify a long-term funding solution that will enable the bridge to open to buses and other vehicles.”