15 Jul Hammersmith Bridge to re-open to pedestrians and cyclists
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- The bridge was closed to motor vehicles in April 2019, and closed to all traffic in August 2020.
- It will re-open from Saturday 17th July, but remain closed to motor vehicles until further notice.
- The BID welcomes the re-opening and its positive impact on local business.
On Thursday 15th July, Hammersmith & Fulham Council announced the partial re-opening of Hammersmith Bridge to pedestrians and cyclists from Saturday 17th July 2021 following a safety review.
The Victorian mechanised suspension bridge was first closed to traffic in April 2019, when cracks were discovered in the cast iron pedestals beneath the structure.
Livia Caruso, Public Realm Director at Hammersmith BID, described the disruption that the closure caused to business locally:
“At the BID, we spend a lot of time speaking to businesses in the town centre, and during the closure period, many have lost thousands of customers due to increased travel times and reduced accessibility. We welcome the safe re-opening of the bridge to cyclists and pedestrians and believe this will help to bring lost custom back to local businesses.”
Given the easing of restrictions on Monday 19th July, and the change of home working guidance, the partial re-opening will make commuting into Hammersmith easier, more cost effective and more environmentally friendly. It will also make low-carbon forms of transport more attractive.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council have announced that any continued repair works will take place with the aim to keep disruption to pedestrian traffic on the bridge to a minimum.
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The BID encourages sustainable and environmentally-friendly commuting through its Dr Bike sessions.