Hammersmith Bridge will reopen to cyclists, pedestrians and river traffic from this Saturday, 17 July 2021, eleven months after its was closed.

The bridge was closed completely in August 2020, including to river traffic, after Hammersmith and Fulham Council engineers found worsening cracks in the structure after a period of severe heat waves.

Following comprehensive safety investigations, the bridge is now safe to open to pedestrians and cyclists. A temperature control system has also been introduced, which helps prevent cracking in the bridge's cast iron pedestals.

Sarah Olney, MP for Richmond Park, has welcomed the news.

She said: "This is hugely welcomes news. The Bridge's closure has had appalling consequences for my constituents, particularly school children who've been forced to take longer, more dangerous routes to school, and businesses who've seen their revenues shrink in the absence of vital footfall."

Olney has been campaigning for a ferry service between both banks of the Thames and added that there is still much work to be done.

She added: "Once TfL, the Department for Transport (DfT) and Hammersmith & Fulham Council agree on a funding plan for the Bridge's long-term stabilisation, it will likely have to be closed for periods of time while the permanent repairs can be made.

"This just underlines how important it is we get a ferry service up and running as soon as possible, and that's why I have written to LBHF urging them to expedite the planning application for the pier.

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"There are also thousands of residents across my constituency and South West London for whom vehicular transport is essential.

"I will therefore continue urging the three parties to work together constructively so that a funding plan for the Bridge's long-term strengthening can be agreed on at the earliest possible opportunity. For that to happen, the DfT must be realistic with what it expects the other parties to contribute."

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: "Obviously I am delighted that the bridge is reopening to foot and cycle traffic. Safety is always the top priority, but residents who live on the south-side of the river, particularly in Barnes have been borne the brunt of this closure.

"They have been cut off from work, school, vital services and transport links for almost 12 months, and while Richmond Council put measures in place to support them, it has taken its toll.

"I hope that this good news will provide some relief as we can now look forward to Hammersmith and Fulham Council progressing with the full restoration."

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