Architects unveil ‘elliptical ribbon’ roads to restore access to Hammersmith bridge used by 22,000 drivers per day

An artist's impression of the ‘elliptical ribbon’ roads on Hammersmith Bridge

The closure has affected motorists and local businesses for half a decade.

ARCHITECTS have lifted the lid on plans to add 'elliptical ribbon' roads alongside a vital London bridge.

The two curved roads will run alongside Hammersmith Bridge, which is still closed and could take 20 years to fix, causing a major headache for drivers.

Design studio Sybarite and engineers Buro Happold have proposed the move on the structure which has been out of action for motorists since 2019 after micro-fractures were discovered in its pedestals.

It remains open only to pedestrians and cyclists, who must dismount while crossing.

The fresh structures would be made of "mirror-polished stainless steel" to avoid drawing attention away from the main bridge.

The former claimed they had shared the ambitious design with the local council.

However, Hammersmith and Fulham Council slammed it as an "eccentric press stunt" and has distanced themselves from the studio.

Torquil McIntosh, Co-Founder of Sybarite, said: “London’s bridges are powerful symbols of our city’s identity.

"My vision for Hammersmith Bridge is both deeply rooted in its historic legacy and boldly focused on the future – transforming it into a catalyst for wider regeneration.

"As both a resident and business owner, I see first-hand the urgent need to restore this vital gateway.

"The time to act is now—we must invest in its revival and unlock the full potential of the surrounding area through strategic urban renewal.”

Responsibility for funding the repairs is split between Hammersmith & Fulham Council, Transport for London (TFL), and the Department for Transport (DFT).

However, a lack of agreement on financing has stalled progress, leaving the bridge closed to vehicles for the foreseeable future.

For commuters, the closure has been a nightmare.

Before it was shut, 22,000 cars and multiple bus routes crossed the bridge daily.

With traffic diverted to other routes, journey times have significantly increased, adding up to an hour in some cases.

Local businesses have also suffered, with lorries unable to make deliveries, and emergency services forced to take longer detours.

Campaigners and local MPs continue to push for a resolution, highlighting the bridge’s importance to London’s transport network.

The cost of fully restoring Hammersmith Bridge has skyrocketed, now estimated at £250 million – a sharp rise from the original £40 million projection in 2019.

Labour MP Fleur Anderson has warned that unless urgent action is taken, the bridge could remain closed to vehicles until 2035.

Meanwhile, Sarah Olney, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, has called on the government to provide additional funding, stressing that neither TfL nor the local council can afford the cost alone.

The lack of progress has frustrated residents and businesses alike. Nigel Edwards, chair of the HammersmithBridgeSOS campaign group, described the situation as a “tremendous inconvenience,” particularly for people with mobility issues who now face significant challenges in accessing key services.