Wandsworth politicians have described the shelving of plans to reopen Hammersmith Bridge to vehicles as "deeply disappointing." Labour MP Fleur Anderson and Tory-run Wandsworth Council vowed to continue fighting for the 139-year-old bridge to be fully restored, warning that failure to reopen it to vehicles would lock in years more congestion in South West London.
Council report reveals no financial option for full restoration
The announcement follows a report by Hammersmith and Fulham Council, which owns the Grade II* listed bridge, stating there was "no financial option available that would allow its full restoration" — estimated to cost £300 million. The authority has already spent £54 million on works since the bridge closed in 2019. The report noted that full restoration would "essentially require a brand-new bridge to be built."
The council had hoped to secure backing from the Government's £1 billion Structures Fund, but the Department for Transport (DfT) instead recommended applying for a "phased repair" to keep the bridge open for pedestrians, cyclists, and river traffic. The Structures Fund criteria also require eligible schemes to reach completion by March 31, 2030, which would not allow for full restoration.
MP and council criticise impact on transport
Putney MP Fleur Anderson said it was "unreasonable" to expect the council to bear extra financial burden and that alternative cheaper crossings should be considered. She has repeatedly called for the bridge to be urgently reopened to vehicles. Ms Anderson stated: "The council's report fails to address the six bus routes that have been cut and the significant daily consequences for residents in Roehampton and Putney. The travel experience through Putney is severely affected by the closures of both Hammersmith and Albert bridges, leading to frequent gridlock on routes into Putney High Street. Commuters are facing prolonged bus delays, making travel frustrating and unreliable for thousands of people every day. I will continue to advocate for the complete restoration of Hammersmith Bridge. The Government must urgently explore alternative budget allocations to reinstate this vital transport route in our capital city."
Albert Bridge closed to motor traffic in February after engineers found a crack in a cast iron component.
Wandsworth councillor calls for action
Conservative councillor Daniel Hamilton, Wandsworth's cabinet member for transport, also described the announcement as "deeply disappointing." Councillor Hamilton said: "Instead of moving us closer to reopening, it locks in years more of congestion across South West London. This will do further harm to residents and businesses and put even more strain on local transport networks. We urge Hammersmith and Fulham to work with the Government to get traffic moving across the bridge again. Wandsworth will continue to champion its full reopening to vehicles."
Background on bridge closure and funding
The crossing was built in 1887 and is one of the world's oldest suspension bridges. It was shut in April 2019 after inspectors found micro-fractures in each of its four cast iron pedestals, indicating a risk of "catastrophic collapse." It has since reopened to pedestrians, cyclists, and river traffic. The Government struck a deal with Transport for London (TfL) in 2021 to split the cost of repairs three ways with Hammersmith and Fulham. The council report stated: "The council's position — in line with this one-thirds principle — is that it is still owed money due from TfL, primarily, and DfT towards the £54m that has been spent on the restoration project."
Next steps: cabinet vote and funding bid
The cabinet will vote on officers' recommendations to pursue a bid for £128 million to repair the bridge so it can remain open to pedestrians, cyclists, and river traffic — but not road traffic — on Monday (July 6). This would focus on "the most critical life-expired elements of the structure, with the immediate aim of keeping the bridge open and safeguarding access for pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic." An announcement on whether the £128 million bid has been successful is expected in autumn. A DfT spokesperson said: "The repair and maintenance of Hammersmith Bridge is the responsibility of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. We have provided £17 million to keep the bridge open for walking and cycling, and will continue to work closely with the council and Transport for London as we consider future funding through our new Structures Fund."
