Due to urgent safety concerns, Hammersmith and Fulham Council have announced today (13th August) that Hammersmith Bridge will be closed to all members of the public, including pedestrians and cyclists, from 5pm, following expert technical advice.

Inspections carried out as part of the restoration works identified an existing crack has worsened over the past week. Engineers believe this is due to the extreme heat conditions London has experienced in recent days.

Cllr Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Services Committee for Richmond Council, said:

“We fully support the decision to close Hammersmith Bridge on safety measures. Safety must come first.

“Richmond Council believes that the safety of all residents must be our number one priority,

“However, what was urgent before is now an emergency. A critical piece of London’s infrastructure cannot be allowed to crumble into the Thames, while the Government and London Mayor wrangle over responsibility for the funding.

“With a potential repair bill of £140m, the Government are the only credible funding mechanism. They must now act in the public interest and supply the long-overdue funding to ensure the bridge can be saved.”

The bridge and pedestrian under-passes on both sides of the river will remain closed until engineers confirm it is safe to re-open. Boats will also not be allowed to pass under the bridge until further notice.

Up to 16,000 people cross the bridge every day. Richmond Council is encouraging all residents who plan to use the bridge this evening to look at alternative routes before they start their journey.

Last month Richmond Council called on the Government to urgently commit funding to the restoration project, after outline commitments were made earlier this year.