Hammersmith Bridge: A 138-Year-Old Icon Faces Tough Choices Amid Proposals for Its Future
Recent proposals concerning the future of Hammersmith Bridge have sparked significant debate, with ideas ranging from demolition to preserving the structure as a monument. During a meeting held by the Department for Transport (DfT), it was revealed that plans included transforming the bridge into a permanently inaccessible site or replacing it completely with a new crossing. Both suggestions were ultimately rejected.
The bridge, which is currently 138 years old, has been closed to vehicles since April 2019 due to cracks in its supporting pedestals, limiting access to pedestrians and cyclists dismounting from their bikes. The road on the bridge remains shut as it undergoes redecking. The estimated cost for a full repair and reopening has swelled to £250 million, raising concerns about the long-term future of the structure. Estimates suggest that repairs could take until 2035 to complete, according to local MP Fleur Anderson.
Options considered by the taskforce include:
Option Zero: A plan to reopen the bridge to all users, including vehicles
Closure of the bridge and conversion into a monument
Repair for limited pedestrian and cycling access
A proposal for a new bridge with a 44-tonne weight limit
Replacement of the bridge while retaining the current structure
Cost considerations led to the dismissal of several proposals, including demolition, which poses its own challenges due to the bridge’s Grade II-listing. Interestingly, some members of the taskforce have not excluded the possibility of permanently keeping cars off the bridge, a move that could create a car-free crossing in London.
Advocates for a car-free future, such as Izzy Romilly from climate charity Possible, see this as a golden opportunity to innovate in urban transportation. The final decision may hinge on the funding made available to the DfT in the upcoming June spending review led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. As discussions continue, the future of Hammersmith Bridge remains a contentious issue, posing both challenges and potential for a sustainable vision.