A west London bridge that banned motor traffic might never reopen to cars again due to a funding black hole, sparking fears of prolonged travel chaos. London faces a ticking time bomb with its ageing bridges, which have been hit with structural issues that saw a weight limit imposed on Vauxhall Bridge recently.
Bridges Closed to Cars, Pedestrians and Cyclists Allowed
Further west, Hammersmith and Albert Bridge have become a major sore point after the Grade II listed crossings closed to motor traffic, while pedestrians and cyclists can still use them. Locals on both sides of the river were holding their breath for a full restoration of Hammersmith Bridge after journeys were disrupted due to bus diversions and traffic gridlock, especially in Putney. The full repair was estimated to cost £300 million. But now the government appears to have shattered those dreams in a blow to residents relying on the bridge.
Government Signals No Money for Full Restoration
A report by the Hammersmith and Fulham council reveals that the government recommended that the borough apply for funding that would enable a phased repair instead of the full restoration, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The council, which owns the bridge, had been eyeing up more money from the government’s £1 billion pot designed for major roads projects. ‘There is no financial option available that would allow its full restoration,’ the report says.
Instead, the council will bid for £128 million with a deadline to have the repair scheme completed by March 2030, meaning a full repair is ‘plainly not achievable in that timespan,’ the report noted. The council has already spent £54 million on repairs that have allowed the bridge to stay open to pedestrians and cyclists.
MP Disappointed, Calls for Cheaper Alternatives
Fleur Anderson, the MP for Putney, said: ‘I am deeply disappointed that Hammersmith and Fulham Council has opted to pursue a £128 million repair plan in collaboration with the Department for Transport, rather than advocating for the full £300 million needed to restore the bridge for buses and other vehicles. I have fought hard for the reopening and will carry on. H&F Council has already invested £54 million in repairs to ensure the safety of the bridge, and it is unreasonable to expect them to bear additional financial burdens. Given the ever-increasing restoration costs, alternative cheaper crossings should also be considered. 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.’
DfT Response and Albert Bridge Hope
A Department for Transport spokesperson told Metro: ‘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.’
Albert Bridge has offered a glimmer of hope despite moments of drama when the crossing was briefly closed to pedestrians and cyclists as well after slight movement was detected. The bridge, which has since reopened after the April hiccup, is due for full repairs, with cars expected back on the crossing sometime in 2027, Kensington and Chelsea council confirmed.
