Hammersmith Bridge has reopened for cyclists, although a timeline for its return to vehicle traffic has yet to be established.
The historic 138-year-old bridge had been off-limits to motor vehicles since April 2019, following the discovery of cracks in its supports.
During the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, the main roadway was recommissioned with new decking after a substantial refurbishment costing £2.9 million, allowing cyclists to traverse it once more.
The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, the custodian of the Grade II*-listed bridge, announced that this reopening will enhance the experience for pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter users.
The carriageway now features three distinct lanes: one designated for northbound cyclists, another for those heading south, and a separate two-way path for pedestrians.
Additionally, the outer footpaths remain accessible solely to pedestrians.
The council highlighted that the newly expanded pedestrian lane provides greater space, thereby enhancing accessibility for wheelchair users.
Moreover, e-cargo bicycles, which can navigate through the newly installed 1.2m (4ft) wide anti-terror barriers, are currently being tested on the bridge to assist older, disabled residents and families with young children.
Hammersmith Bridge connects Hammersmith on the northern bank of the River Thames with Barnes on the southern side.
Last year, the estimated cost for repairing the bridge surged nearly twofold to £250 million.
This expense will be distributed among the council, the Department for Transport (DfT), and Transport for London (TfL).
The council has expressed its intention to fully restore the cast-iron bridge to its “original Victorian splendour.”
Among potential future actions being discussed are the introduction of a toll or restrictions on vehicle access.
A DfT proposal to demolish the bridge and construct a new one was dismissed during a January meeting of a taskforce that included representatives from the council, MPs from both sides of the river, TfL, and London’s deputy mayor for transport, Seb Dance.
The council reported spending £48 million on the restoration and maintenance of Hammersmith Bridge since its closure in August 2020 due to safety concerns.
Engineers had to raise the bridge off its original Victorian bearings using a hydraulic jacking system, enabling the replacement of the old seized bearings with modern rubber ones, which allow for safer responses to temperature shifts and movements.
In addition, tailored steel frameworks were installed to support the historic structure during the jacking process. The steel was imported in 29 large sheets and then custom-cut into 1,220 precise pieces.
In 2021, the bridge was reopened for pedestrians and cyclists but was closed again shortly afterward. Last year, during a temporary pause in construction, the council established a temporary cycle lane that was available for a duration of 10 weeks.
