The UK Department for Transport has taken a notable step towards reopening Hammersmith Bridge, nearly seven years after it was closed to cars and motorbikes due to structural safety concerns. The department plans to reconvene the government-led Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce, which brings together national and local stakeholders to coordinate plans for repairing and reopening the historic crossing over the River Thames in west London. This meeting is being framed as part of the process of considering the bridge for potential funding from the government’s new Structures Fund, which is intended to help repair aging bridges, flyovers and tunnels across the UK. 

The bridge, which was originally opened in the late 19th century and is a Grade II listed historic structure, was closed to motor traffic in 2019 after cracks were found in its pedestals. Pedestrian and cyclist access has been restored at various times, but reopening the bridge fully — especially to vehicles — has been delayed by both complex engineering challenges and disagreements over who will pay for the expensive restoration work. Estimates from local authorities and transport officials have put the total cost for full repair and strengthening at hundreds of millions of pounds, and there is still no confirmed funding solution.