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  "path": "/2026/06/30/londons-hammersmith-bridge-wont-reopen-cars-foreseeable-future-28985969/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-30T19:54:03.000Z",
  "site": "https://metro.co.uk",
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    "Department for Transport",
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    "weight limit imposed on Vauxhall Bridge",
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  "textContent": "London’s iconic Victorian crossings like Hammersmith Bridge are in a dire state after structural damage has seen them close to cars (Picture: Getty Images)\n\nA west London bridge that banned motor traffic might never reopen to cars again due to a funding black hole, sparking fears of prolonged travel chaos.\n\nLondon is facing a ticking time bomb with its ageing bridges that have been hit with structural issues that saw a weight limit imposed on Vauxhall Bridge recently.\n\nFurther west, Hammersmith and Albert Bridge have become a major sore point after the Grade II listed crossings closed to motor traffic, while pedestrians and cyclists can still use them.\n\nLocals on both sides of the river were holding their breath for a full restoration of Hammersmith Bridge after journeys were disrupted due to bus diversions and traffic gridlock, especially in Putney.\n\nThe full repair was estimated to cost £300 million.\n\nBut now the government appears to have shattered those dreams in a blow to residents relying on the bridge.\n\n## Government signals no money for full restoration\n\nA report by the Hammersmith and Fulham council reveals that the government recommended that the borough apply for funding that would enable a phased repair instead of the full restoration, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.\n\nThe council, which owns the bridge, had been eyeing up more money from the government’s £1 billion pot designed for major roads projects.\n\n‘There is no financial option available that would allow its full restoration,’ the report says.\n\n> @nooramykkanen\n>\n> Could this be a solution to Hammersmith Bridge? #london #transport #selfdrivingcar #technology\n>\n> ♬ original sound – nooramykkanen\n\nInstead, it will bid for £128 million with a deadline to have the repair scheme completed by March 2030, meaning a full repair is ‘plainly not achievable in that timespan,’ the report noted.\n\n##  Latest London news\n\n  * London is so hot the pavements reached 57°C\n  * London department store engulfed in flames sending thick black smoke in the air\n  * Builders march up to Downing Street on hottest day in call to end violence against women\n\n\n\n_**To get the latest news from the capital, visit Metro's** London news hub._\n\nThe council has already spent to the tune of £54 million on repairs that have allowed the bridge to stay open to pedestrians and cyclists.\n\nFleur Anderson, the MP for Putney, said: ‘I am deeply disappointed that Hammersmith and Fulham Council has opted to pursue a £128 million repair plan in collaboration with the Department for Transport, rather than advocating for the full £300 million needed to restore the bridge for buses and other vehicles.\n\n‘I have fought hard for the reopening and will carry on. H&F Council has already invested £54 million in repairs to ensure the safety of the bridge, and it is unreasonable to expect them to bear additional financial burdens.\n\n‘Given the ever-increasing restoration costs, alternative cheaper crossings should also be considered. The Council’s report fails to address the six bus routes that have been cut and the significant daily consequences for residents in Roehampton and Putney.’\n\nA Department for Transport spokesperson told **Metro** : ‘The repair and maintenance of Hammersmith Bridge is the responsibility of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.\n\n‘We have provided £17 million to keep the bridge open for walking and cycling, and will continue to work closely with the council and Transport for London as we consider future funding through our new Structures Fund.’\n\nAlbert Bridge has offered a glimmer of hope despite moments of drama when the crossing was briefly closed to pedestrians and cyclists as well after slight movement was detected.\n\nThe bridge, which has since reopened after the April hiccup, is due for full repairs, with cars expected back on the crossing sometime in 2027, Kensington and Chelsea council confirmed.\n\n******Get in touch with our news team by emailing us atwebnews@metro.co.uk.******\n\n**For more stories like this,** check our news page.\n\nComment now Comments \nAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source\n",
  "title": "Hammersmith Bridge won’t reopen to cars for the foreseeable future"
}