After 7 years the question remains — will Hammersmith Bridge ever reopen to traffic?

Nearly seven years after Hammersmith Bridge was closed to vehicles over serious structural safety concerns, uncertainty continues to surround one of London’s most politically charged infrastructure problems.

Despite years of engineering studies, public debate and funding negotiations, there is still no confirmed timetable for the bridge to fully reopen to traffic.

The Grade II-listed suspension bridge has remained closed to cars, buses and heavy vehicles since 2019 after engineers identified microfractures within the cast-iron pedestals supporting the structure. While pedestrians and cyclists were allowed back onto the crossing following stabilisation works in 2021, the bridge remains effectively cut off from normal transport use.

Originally designed for horse-drawn traffic in the Victorian era, the bridge had been carrying more than 22,000 vehicles and six bus routes daily before its closure. Today, the cost of restoring the crossing for full vehicular use is estimated at around £250 million, with disputes continuing over who should ultimately pay for the repairs.

The current funding model under discussion would see costs split between Hammersmith & Fulham Council, Transport for London and the Department for Transport. However, repeated disagreements between the organisations have stalled progress and fuelled growing frustration among residents on both sides of the Thames.

Transport disruption remains one of the biggest local concerns. With the bridge unable to support buses due to its strict 1.5-tonne weight limit, several routes remain diverted, creating significantly longer journeys for commuters and vulnerable residents.

Simon Roach, centre director at Castelnau Community Centre in Barnes, said elderly residents and those with mobility challenges have been particularly affected by the loss of direct bus services.

“There are lots of people who need to go to Charing Cross Hospital, who are having to undergo stressful journeys and potentially risk not making their appointment in time,” he said.

Local politicians have also warned of wider impacts across west London’s transport network. Putney and Roehampton MP Fleur Anderson said neighbouring areas have struggled to absorb displaced traffic and changing travel patterns since the closure.

At the same time, the future purpose of the bridge itself remains heavily contested.

Campaigners pushing for a full reopening argue the crossing is essential to restoring connectivity, reducing congestion elsewhere and supporting local businesses. However, others believe the bridge’s closure to traffic has created long-term environmental and safety benefits that should be protected.

A counter-campaign known as Hammersmith Bridge is Open has highlighted improved conditions for pedestrians and cyclists since vehicles were removed from the crossing. Some residents have argued the bridge has become quieter, safer and less polluted without traffic.

Richmond councillor Marjory Millum also pointed to changing transport trends across London, arguing that reduced car dependency and increased remote working have altered traffic patterns significantly since the bridge first closed.

Meanwhile, hopes of a breakthrough continue to depend on political agreement over funding. Roads minister Simon Lightwood recently suggested discussions over potential support from the government’s Structures Fund were progressing, although no formal funding package or construction timeline has yet been announced.

For now, the bridge remains open only to cyclists and pedestrians — and after almost seven years of closures, delays and political deadlock, many Londoners are still left asking whether Hammersmith Bridge will ever fully reopen to traffic again.