It’s reported the cost of repairing Hammersmith Bridge has soared to £250 million, leading to concerns that the Thames crossing will never reopen to vehicles.

London’s Evening Standard Newspaper reports the latest estimate is an increase of about £100 million on previous expectations, and comes as the fifth anniversary approaches of the 137-year-old bridge being closed on safety grounds.

Discussions on funding the repairs have reached a stalemate, with a government taskforce having last met more than two years ago. Sources tell the paper there is no sign of a breakthrough.

The bridge, a Grade II-listed iron structure that opened in 1887, used to carry about 22,000 vehicles a day and seven bus routes. It was closed in April 2019 by Hammersmith and Fulham council after safety sensors on the bridge, which links Hammersmith and Barnes, detected “dangerous micro-fractures” in the pedestals that hold the suspension system in place.

It partly reopened in July 2021 to pedestrians and cyclists. Since 2019, drivers have had to divert via Chiswick or Putney bridges.

There are disagreements between the Department for Transport, the council and Transport for London over the extent each should contribute to pay for repairs.

(Picture – Yay Images)