Hammersmith Bridge Closed 'Indefinitely' Due To Critical Faults

The historic bridge in west London was closed urgently on Wednesday evening.
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Reuters

Hammersmith Bridge has been urgently closed due to safety concerns, Hammersmith and Fulham council said.

The bridge in west London has been closed indefinitely to motorists after safety checks revealed critical faults, the local authority said. 

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the bridge, which links Barnes and Hammersmith, but cars and buses will be forced to follow diversions until further notice.

The council had planned to start work on refurbishing the bridge, but said Transport for London (TfL) could no longer fund a planned refurbishment due to “government budget cuts”. 

The council wrote online: “Regrettably, we’ve now been left with no option but to close the bridge indefinitely until the refurbishment costs can be met. 

“So we’re supporting TfL’s call for the government to invest in this vital river crossing and national monument – so we can get on with the work and reopen the bridge.” 

On Twitter, social media users predicted the decision to close the Grade II listed bridge, which opened in 1887, would cause “travel chaos”.

Others were critical of the government for wasting money on Brexit instead of infrastructure.

A further statement on the council website said: “We’ve had to urgently close Hammersmith Bridge to motorists because of safety concerns.

“Our weekly safety checks have revealed critical faults and we have no choice but to shut the bridge. We’re sorry we couldn’t give you more warning.”

A TfL spokesperson said: “Following the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham’s decision to close Hammersmith Bridge, six bus routes have been diverted or now stop short of their destinations.

“Customers should check our real time channels for the latest travel information. We are working closely with the borough to minimise disruption.”

The spokesperson later added: “Although funding the maintenance of the bridge is not TfL’s responsibility, we are working with Hammersmith and Fulham Council to identify a final plan for upgrading their bridge.

“We are also ready to support them in identifying the necessary funding for this work. Keeping local authority infrastructure in good condition is essential to ensure the wider road network stays safe and productive and helps the economy grow.

“We need the certainty of a long-term steady and sustained funding arrangement to allow London to cover the costs of its own infrastructure maintenance.”