Hammersmith Flyover Set for Demolition Under Council’s Long-Term Regeneration Plan

The Hammersmith Flyover, a prominent and once-pioneering piece of 1960s transport infrastructure in West London, is now facing demolition under bold new proposals by Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

As part of a long-term regeneration strategy, the flyover could be replaced by a tunnel—reuniting divided communities and transforming the landscape of Hammersmith.

Opened in 1961, the Hammersmith Flyover was considered a major engineering achievement at the time. One of the first examples of pre-stressed concrete bridge construction in the UK, it was designed to carry traffic above the congested streets of Hammersmith as part of the A4 arterial route into central London. Its construction formed part of a broader post-war vision for modernising urban transport and enabling faster car travel through the city.

But while the structure helped to manage growing volumes of traffic in the decades that followed, its long-term impact has been deeply divisive. Critics have long regarded the flyover as an eyesore—its stark, elevated form cutting across the skyline, blocking access to the River Thames, and severing historic Victorian streets.

In recent years, the flyover has also become increasingly expensive and difficult to maintain. In 2011, it was abruptly closed for emergency repairs after serious structural weaknesses were discovered. This led to a major refurbishment programme, including the installation of new cables and bearings, to extend its life. However, concerns about its condition and long-term viability have persisted ever since.

According to Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s new draft plans, the demolition of the flyover—and parts of the A4—would not only eliminate a deteriorating and disruptive structure but also unlock land for redevelopment and create a more cohesive, accessible urban environment. The proposals would aim to reduce noise and air pollution, improve pedestrian routes, and re-establish the long-lost connection between Hammersmith Town Centre and the riverfront.

In a statement, the council said the flyover has had “adverse consequences” over its 60-year lifespan, isolating neighbourhoods and pushing large volumes of traffic around the congested Hammersmith Gyratory.

The plan is part of a wider update to the borough’s Local Plan, which outlines regeneration and development goals through to 2042. If the scheme goes ahead, the flyover could begin to be dismantled from November 2027, with works expected to span up to 15 years.

The council says it intends to work closely with Transport for London (TfL) and other stakeholders to explore technical solutions, including a potential tunnel to redirect traffic underground. This would be one of the most ambitious urban road transformations in London in recent decades.

A public consultation will be launched in due course to gather input from residents, businesses, and transport users across the borough and beyond.