Hammersmith Bridge has finally reopened to cyclists after a £3 million project
Hammersmith Bridge – what a saga, eh? Since cracks were discovered in the west London Thames crossing way back in 2019, the bridge's future has been hotly debated, with suggested solutions ranging from introducing a toll to fund repairs and building a spectacular 'ribbon' bridge for cars to blowing it up.
Whether or not the 138-year-old Victorian suspension bridge will ever reopen to vehicles is still up in the air, but last week came a much more positive update for pedestrians and cyclists: Hammersmith Bridge's main carriageway is now open after a £2.9 million's worth of works.
The crossing now boasts three lanes, with two for cyclists (one northbound, the other southbound) and one for pedestrians. The outer footways will remain pedestrian-only.
Hammersmith Bridge reopened partly in February 2024 and plans for a permanent cycle lane were confirmed last April. The works saw engineers replace the crossing's wooden deck boards and resurface the carriageway, among other improvements. The wider pedestrian lane offers better accessibility for wheelchair users.
As for what's in store for Hammersmith Bridge in the long-term? That's still yet to be decided, with several options still being considered by both Hammersmith and Fulham Council and the Department for Transport.
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