By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-02-02 12:41:09 | Updated at 2025-02-02 16:01:48
3 hours ago
A major bridge could be reopened to traffic for the first time in six years in a bid to reduce congestion building up in the capital.
Hammersmith Bridge has been closed to vehicles since 2019 but talks that initiated last week have offered a positive signal that it could reopen soon.
It comes after the taskforce which was formed to help get the bridge reopened to vehicles, held its first meeting in over three years.
The group had previously met up in 2021 under the Conservative Administration but failed to reconvene until last Thursday.
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Hammersmith Bridge was closed to vehicles in 2019
HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM COUNCIL
The historic bridge was forced to ban cars, buses and vans since April 2019, when cracks appeared in the structure’s pedestals.
Since then, in order to preserve the structure, it has operated as pedestrian and cycle-only but with riders having to dismount before crossing the bridge.
The reopening has stalled over the years as costs estimated for its full repair has risen rapidly with officials stating it would need roughly £250million.
Initial proposals suggested a third of the costs would come from the Department for Transport with Transport for London paying another third and local councils such as Hammersmith and Fulham, which owns the bridge picking up the final amounts.
But due to the significant sum needed to repair the 138-year-old bridge, the council did warn that it would need to establish some form of road charging to help fund the project.
In December 2022, the council reportedly submitted documents to the then Tory Government on how to repair the bridge but was not given a response.
So far figures have estimated local councils spending £45million sine 2019 to help restore and stabilise some of the bridge works.
This includes funds towards redecking works, replacing corroded elements with new rubber bearings. Once this has finished, the council will look to reopen the bridge fully to pedestrians, bikes and scooters. During the taskforce meeting it features representatives from local councils as well as MPs, people from TfL and City Hall.
The closure of the bridge has also meant traffic has been funneled elsewhere with Putney Bridge taking a lot more vehicles. Between 2020 and 2023, the overall number of vehicles on the was estimated to have increased by 16 per cent, from 32,083 to 37,239.
There was also a 25 per cent increase in traffic during the morning peak hours between 2019 to 2023 while data from TfL confirmed that bus journey and waiting times have worsened.
Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: "The ongoing closure of Hammersmith Bridge has placed an unacceptable burden on the people of Wandsworth. Following the closure over five years ago, traffic has got increasingly worse on our local roads, resulting in regular gridlock and longer journey times for people commuting to work, school, and vital appointments.
"Businesses are struggling, emergency vehicles are delayed, buses are delayed, and our community is rightly frustrated at the inaction and lack of progress to reopen this key river crossing."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Hammersmith Bridge operates as pedestrian and cycle-only
PA
Meanwhile, a DfT spokesperson said: "We have inherited a challenging situation with Hammersmith Bridge, where decisions about its future have been ducked for many years. We recognise the frustration its continued closure is causing motorists.
"We continue to work closely with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and TfL on the bridge’s restoration and the Department has provided £13million of funding towards the project.
"The Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce met to consider the full range of options available and potential next steps for the long-term future of the bridge. We will share further updates in due course."
