Hammersmith Bridge won’t reopen for at least another five years even if the £250m is found for https://nhanlambangcap24h.com/ its rebuild, Londoners have been told.
It comes as the troubled Grade II listed bridge reaches the 5th anniversary of its closure to vehicles in 2019, with passengers being shut out the following year.
The decision to close the bridge was made by the owner Hammersmith and Fulham council after it found the 137-year-old bridge’s wrought-iron structure was riddled with cracks.
The shutdown of the Thames crossing has worsened congestion to much of west London as well as isolating residents in Barnes on the south side of the river.
Due to it being one of the first suspension bridges in the world, the work required to mend it would be extremely expensive and complex.
Hammersmith Bridge won’t reopen for at least another five years even if the £250m is found for its rebuild. Pictured: The bridge closed in November 2020
Council sources said the extensive works required would included removing the pedestals at the end of the bridge Hammersmith Bridge which would take years. Pictured: The bridge being used by cyclists in July 2021
When the crossing first closed, the council estimated the cost of repairs would be £40million and expected TfL to pay up. But TfL said it was not liable to cough up the funding and appealed for government help. Pictured: London Mayor Sadiq Khan
The estimated cost of making the creaking piece of infrastructure safe for cars and buses has ballooned from an initial £20m to the current £250m.