Council Reveals Radical Plans to Reopen Hammersmith Bridge


Local people invited to drop-in events from this Saturday

A visualisation of the double decker structure on Hammersmith Bridge
A visualisation of the double decker structure on Hammersmith Bridge. Picture: H&F Council

March 20, 2023

Hammersmith & Fulham Council is holding a series of drop-in events from this weekend to show off plans for a temporary double decker bridge which will allow traffic to cross the river while Hammersmith Bridge is strengthened and restored.

The events are at St Paul’s Centre, Queen Caroline Street in Hammersmith on Saturday 25 March, from 1am till 2pm and Monday March 27 from 4pm till 8pm.

Two further events are being held south of the river at St Paul’s School, Lonsdale Road, Barnes on Tuesday 28 March from 4pm till 8pm and Saturday April 1 from 11am till 2pm.

As well as viewing the plans, visitors will be able to discuss them with members of the team.

H&F Council commissioned architects and structural engineers Foster + Partners and bridge specialist engineers COWI to develop pioneering plans to reopen Hammersmith Bridge to motor vehicles by installing a temporary double-decker truss within the existing bridge structure.

This will allow pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic to continue to cross or use the river earlier than planned while restoration works are undertaken to the historic bridge.

As well as these in-person events, there is a new dedicated website, www.hammersmithbridgerestoration.com due to go live on 25 March, where local people can leave feedback on the plans and sign up to receive updates.

Hammersmith Bridge as it us currently
Hammersmith Bridge as it us currently. Picture: H&F Council

H&F Council says that the proposal for the truss and the works to the Hammersmith Bridge will require both planning permission and listed building consent. If the work goes ahead, the final design will be chosen when the council procures a contractor to carry out the restoration, with the current proposal used as a reference design.

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