The Department for Transport will reconvene the Hammersmith Bridge taskforce in a key step towards it being reopened. 10 April will mark a significant milestone in the Hammersmith Bridge saga, says LBC, some seven years since the bridge closed to cars and motorbikes.

The 19th Century bridge links Hammersmith with Barnes, in south-west London, and was closed when cracks appeared in its pedestals in 2019.

However, the possibility of reopening the bridge to motor vehicles has moved a step closer, with the government suggesting the 700 foot Thames crossing could be in line for cash from the Structures Fund. 

The pot of money, announced by ministers back in June 2025, has been set aside in order to support “repairing run down bridges, decaying flyovers and worn out tunnels across Britain”.

A letter obtained by LBC reveals that Roads Minister Simon Lightwood has specifically identified Hammersmith Bridge as a potential beneficiary – paving the way for a full reopening.

Mr Lightwood wrote:

“We believe that Hammersmith Bridge would be a good candidate for investment from the fund, and we intend to consider the viability of future funding for the next stage of works through this route”.

However critics have said that the process is still too slow. A source familiar with the situation told LBC “If this is rapid action, I’d hate to see what dragging their feet looks like”.

(Picture: London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham)