Over £50 million spent on Hammersmith Bridge during partial closure
Funding disputes continue.
Over £50 million has been spent on Hammersmith Bridge by Hammersmith and Fulham Council since its partial closure seven years ago.
The Grade II*-listed crossing, connecting the borough with Barnes, was closed to motor vehicles in 2019 and briefly to all users in 2020 due to micro-fractures in its pedestals.
Currently, pedestrians and cyclists can use the bridge, but cars are still banned.
Restoration funding disputes have affected progress.
In a 2021 settlement with Transport for London (TfL), the council was expected to cover a third of the projected £250 million restoration cost, with TfL and the Department for Transport (DfT) also contributing.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has termed this division an “unprecedented move,” suggesting that a toll may be required to fund its share.
Business case submissions detailing restoration plans were made to the previous Government in December 2022 and formally in March 2023, but approval is still pending.
In its Four Year Capital Programme, spanning 2026 to 2030, the council reported spending £54 million by last October, including £37 million on stabilisation and £17 million on pre-restoration works.
The council claims it is owed £20.2 million from DfT and TfL.
However, the DfT has contended that cost-sharing applies solely to stabilisation and strengthening phases.
A DfT spokesperson said, "The repair and maintenance of Hammersmith Bridge is the responsibility of London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. We have already provided £17m, to keep the bridge open for walking and cycling, and will continue to work closely with the council and Transport for London on this."
A TfL spokesperson added, "We have been supporting the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, who are the owners and highway authority for the bridge, for a number of years. We have contributed £3m towards stabilisation works and have also spent £16.7m on assessments, feasibility, inspections and surveys, designs and other matters."