Drivers may NEVER return to Hammersmith Bridge because of eco-friendly cost-effective reopening plan

Drivers may never return to Hammersmith Bridge as the Government considers plans to stop cars from crossing when it finally reopens.

Thousands of drivers in the capital will be frustrated by the eco-friendly cost effective proposals to prevent traffic from returning to the bridge, which has remained closed to vehicles since April 2019. 

A government-led taskforce is considering a car free bridge, with only pedestrians and cyclists allowed, according to minutes from a closed-door meeting.

The minutes, revealed by a Freedom of Information request, show the taskforce examining permanently banning cars because it would be cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

Restoring the 138-year-old bridge is estimated to cost £250million and it might not reopen until 2035. 

One proposal, among an original six by the taskforce, would have turned it into a inaccesible monument. Another would have seen the bridge demolished and replaced by a new river crossing. They have both been rejected.

 Only one of the three options still being examined would allow car access. The plan would see a new road built above pedestrian and cyclists, creating a temporary double-decker crossing. 

Sir Sadiq Khan told the Standard  he want[ed] the bridge reopened for vehicles, while former transport secretary Grant Shapps vowed to reopen the bridge to motorists in 2022.

Plans to stop cars from crossing Hammersmith Bridge when it finally reopens or to turn it into an inaccesible monument have been considered by the Government

A government-led taskforce is considering a car free bridge, with only pedestrians and cyclists allowed, according to minutes from a closed-door meeting

Hammersmith Bridge has been closed to vehicles since April 2019 and might not properly reopen until 2035

But officials praised plans, which would only allow cyclists, pedestrians, and single-decker buses access, as cheaper and environmentally friendly.

The Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce met for the first time in three years on January 30. 

A DfT spokesman said: While the Government faces a difficult situation with Hammersmith Bridge, where decisions about its future have been ducked for many years, we recognise the frustration its closure causes motorists.

The Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce met on January 30 to consider the potential next steps for the long-term future of the bridge. A range of possible engineering solutions were discussed, and further updates will be made available in due course.

The decision to close the bridge six years ago was made by the owner Hammersmith and Fulham council after it found its wrought-iron structure was riddled with cracks.

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.

Stabilisation work to allow the bridge to reopen to pedestrians and cyclists cost £40m.

The Labour-run Hammersmith and Fulham Council, Transport for London (TfL) which has strategic responsibility for city-wide transport, and the Department for Transport (DfT) have all been trying to avoid footing the bill.

The cost of repairing Hammersmith Bridge is estimated to be around £250million after years of delays

The bridge was built in 1887 and opened by the then Prince of Wales. It survived multiple attacks from the IRA

Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said he want[ed] the bridge reopened for vehicles

The DfT had suggested the council and TfL each pay a third of the repair costs, with the taxpayer funding the rest.

However, the borough has already said it cannot afford to pay its share unless it introduces a toll or road user charge.

 Hammersmith Bridge, which survived three IRA attacks, is one of the worlds oldest mechanical suspension bridges and Grade-II listed. Designed by the noted 19th century civil engineer, Sir Joseph Bazalgette, it was built in 1887 and opened by the then Prince of Wales.

 It is Londons lowest bridge, with a water clearance of just 12 feet at high tide, and one of the capitals weakest, which is why weight restrictions have been in place since 2015.