Historic Hammersmith Bridge Welcomes Cyclists After Transformative Upgrade

Hammersmith Bridge has entered a new phase in its storied history with the reopening of its main carriageway to cyclists following a £2.9 million refurbishment. The 138-year-old Victorian structure, which has been closed to motor vehicles since April 2019 due to structural concerns, now features a completely redesigned crossing experience prioritizing sustainable transportation.

The Grade II*-listed bridge, spanning the Thames between Hammersmith and Barnes, now boasts three dedicated lanes across its main deck: separate northbound and southbound paths for cyclists, alongside a wider pedestrian thoroughfare. The outer footways remain exclusively for pedestrians, creating a comprehensive system that improves traffic flow and safety for all non-motorized users.

This redesign marks a significant improvement for accessibility, with the newly widened pedestrian lane providing ample space for wheelchair users. Additionally, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, which owns the bridge, has initiated an innovative e-cargo bike shuttle service to assist older residents, disabled individuals, and young children across the span.

The refurbishment involved intricate engineering challenges befitting the bridge’s historic status. Engineers employed a hydraulic jacking system to lift the entire structure off its original Victorian bearings, replacing them with modern rubber components designed to accommodate temperature fluctuations and movement. The project required importing specialized steel in 29 massive sheets, subsequently crafted into 1,220 custom pieces to support the bridge during these delicate operations.

While cyclists and pedestrians can now enjoy the revitalized crossing, the ultimate fate of motorized traffic remains undecided. With repair costs nearly doubling to an estimated £250 million—to be divided between the council, Transport for London, and the Department for Transport—authorities are weighing options including potential tolls or a permanent car ban.

The council previously rejected a suggestion to demolish and replace the cast-iron structure, instead committing to restore it to its “original Victorian splendour.” Since August 2020, when safety concerns prompted a complete closure, the council reports having invested £48 million in maintenance and restoration efforts.

For now, the bridge stands as a testament to innovative urban planning that prioritizes sustainable transportation while preserving historic architecture, though discussions continue regarding its long-term role in London’s transportation network.