BBCProtesters have called for Hammersmith Bridge to be reopened to vehicle traffic seven years on from its closure.
The 138-year-old bridge linking Hammersmith with Barnes, in south-west London, closed to motor vehicles when cracks appeared in its pedestals in 2019. Only cyclists and pedestrians are currently allowed to cross the Grade II listed structure.
Putney and Roehampton MP Fleur Anderson said the closure had had a major impact on public transport in the area, but some arrived at the rally to back the traffic ban.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said it is working with Hammersmith and Fulham Council, which owns the bridge, but no timetable has been set for it to reopen to vehicles.
“It’s such a big issue in Putney. Everywhere I go, this is what people ask me about because of the impact on the buses,” Anderson said.
“Six bus routes were cut when this bridge was closed and that makes a big difference on the bus routes in Putney going through Putney High Street, which is very, very congested.
Anderson also acknowledged concerns from residents about congestion around nearby crossings, including changes to junction layouts near Putney Bridge.
She said the bridge closure has left the area’s transport network under such strain that even small changes or roadworks can cause severe congestion.
The Labour MP was speaking at a rally calling for the bridge to be reopened to vehicles.
Campaigners in favour of keeping it open only to pedestrians and cyclists also gathered nearby to express their views.
Ruth Mayorcas said: “This bridge before it was closed was horrible to walk over – polluted, congested, and very dangerous, actually.
“There wasn’t enough room to cycle safely and people who walked were very hemmed in on those very narrow walkways on either side.
“It’s brought more people to walking and cycling, families are using cargo bikes and the uptake in cargo bike use has gone up through the roof.”
She accepted that there were problems for the buses, but said there was over-reliance on them when other modes of transport such as tuk-tuks were available.
Resident, Chris Blisaen said: “It’s far better not having cars. The buses is a bit of an issue, but I think that could be resolved quite easily with improved transport on both sides.”
He also said he doubted that funding would be found to make the necessary repairs, as it would be very expensive.
A DfT spokesperson said: “We recognise the disruption caused by the closure of the bridge and so far we have provided £17m of funding, including £4.7m in March 2025, to keep the bridge open for walking and cycling.”
Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s spokesperson aid the Grade II listed bridge is “one of the world’s oldest suspension bridges which is why it is also one of Britain’s most expensive to repair”.
They said the council has bid for funding to repair the bridge from the government’s £1bn Structures Fund.
There is currently no confirmed date for the government task force to meet to discuss the bridge’s future, meaning any change to its status is likely to be years away.
