Protesters have called for Hammersmith Bridge to be reopened to vehicle traffic seven years on from its closure.

The 138-year-old bridge linking Hammersmith with Barnes, in south-west London, closed to motor vehicles when cracks appeared in its pedestals in 2019. Only cyclists and pedestrians are currently allowed to cross the Grade II listed structure, says the BBC.

Putney and Roehampton MP Fleur Anderson said the closure had had a major impact on public transport in the area, but some arrived at the rally to back the traffic ban.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said it is working with Hammersmith and Fulham Council, which owns the bridge, but no timetable has been set for it to reopen to vehicles.

“It’s such a big issue in Putney. Everywhere I go, this is what people ask me about because of the impact on the buses,” Anderson said.

“Six bus routes were cut when this bridge was closed and that makes a big difference on the bus routes in Putney going through Putney High Street, which is very, very congested.

Anderson also acknowledged concerns from residents about congestion around nearby crossings, including changes to junction layouts near Putney Bridge.

She said the bridge closure has left the area’s transport network under such strain that even small changes or roadworks can cause severe congestion.

The Labour MP was speaking at a rally calling for the bridge to be reopened to vehicles.

A DfT spokesperson said:

“We recognise the disruption caused by the closure of the bridge and so far we have provided £17m of funding, including £4.7m in March 2025, to keep the bridge open for walking and cycling.”

Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s spokesperson aid the Grade II listed bridge is “one of the world’s oldest suspension bridges which is why it is also one of Britain’s most expensive to repair”.

(Picture: Yay Images)