Hammersmith Bridge closed indefinitely due to 'critical faults'

Council blames government cuts for 'huge disappointment'

Cyclists and pedestrians can still use the Grade II* listed bridge, but it will be closed to motorists 'indefinitely' (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

A major bridge in west London has been closed after “critical faults” were discovered in the structure.

Hammersmith Bridge, which opened in 1887, was closed to traffic on Wednesday over safety concerns.

Cyclists and pedestrians can still use the Grade II* listed bridge, but it will be closed to motorists “indefinitely”, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham said.

The council blamed government cuts for the closure, and released a statement saying: “We have a fully tested plan to refurbish the bridge and we’re ready to start work. But, due to government budget cuts, Transport for London (TfL) says it can no longer fund the planned refurbishment.

“This is a huge disappointment.”

The council added: “Regrettably, we’ve now been left with no option but to close the bridge indefinitely until the refurbishment costs can be met.

“So we’re supporting TfL’s call for the government to invest in this vital river crossing and national monument – so we can get on with the work and reopen the bridge.”

The issues were discovered during a weekly safety check carried out by the council, which said diversions were in place for buses and other traffic. The bridge has been closed several times in recent years due to structural issues.

A TfL spokesman said: “Although funding the maintenance of the bridge is not TfL’s responsibility, we are working with Hammersmith and Fulham Council to identify a final plan for upgrading their bridge.

“We are also ready to support them in identifying the necessary funding for this work. Keeping local authority infrastructure in good condition is essential to ensure the wider road network stays safe and productive and helps the economy grow.

“We need the certainty of a long-term steady and sustained funding arrangement to allow London to cover the costs of its own infrastructure maintenance.”

AA president Edmund King said: “We can’t afford to have Hammersmith Bridge closed ‘indefinitely’. It is an essential artery to keep London moving.

“It will cause major congestion and hence more emissions – ironically in the same week that the ultra-low emission zone kicked off.

“The Thames is already a barrier to mobility in London, so we can’t afford to have an essential bridge closed for a long period.

“We have only half as many bridges over the Thames than there are over the Seine in Paris. All parties need to get their heads together to sort out how the essential repairs will be paid for as soon as possible.”