William Eichler 23 March 2021

Hammersmith Bridge could reopen as ‘double-decker crossing’

Hammersmith Bridge could reopen as ‘double-decker crossing’ image

Hammersmith Bridge could potentially reopen for pedestrians and cyclists next summer as a temporary double-decker crossing, the London borough has announced.

The Grade II listed bridge was closed to pedestrians and cyclists on public safety grounds last August after cracks in the cast iron pedestals widened during a heatwave.

Hammersmith & Fulham Council subsequently approached the architects and engineers Foster + Partners and the bridge engineers COWI who undertook a technical study to assess whether a double-decker crossing could be supported by the existing bridge foundations.

The study has concluded that the plan is feasible and will cost around £100m, which represents a £40m saving on the council’s current restoration plan.

Council leader Stephen Cowan will discuss the findings of the feasibility study with Foster + Partners and COWI at next week’s meeting of the Government’s Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce.

The council has also submitted an Outline Financial Plan to the secretary of state for transport, Grant Shapps, for the bridge restoration work to be funded through a toll or road charging scheme.

Early assessments indicate that motorists might pay an average of £3 to drive across the bridge, the ownership of which could be transferred to a charitable trust.

Commenting on the plans to reopen the 134-year-old bridge, Cllr Cowan said: ‘Hammersmith Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world and the most expensive in Britain to repair.

‘So, while we’re working to fully restore the bridge as quickly as possible, we’re also determined to put in place the necessary governance and long-term funding arrangements that will make sure it is properly maintained well into the next century.’

Photo: Foster + Partners/COWI

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner