The restoration of Hammersmith Bridge is a "shovel-ready project" and must be funded, Richmond Council's transport chief says.

Cllr Alexander Ehmann joined Richmond Park MP Sarah Olney in calling for the government to pay for repairs to the key commuter stretch.

Earlier this year, Transport for London provided £25 million to help kickstart the restoration process of the grade II-listed bridge.

But the full repair bill may top £100 million.

Last week TfL published a revised budget, and the repairs to Hammersmith Bridge fell within its 'Projects Contingent on Additional Funding'.

Ms Olney said: "I know how important this bridge is for constituents from a connectivity and traffic point of view, and I will continue to do everything in my power to get the funding secured and work completed as soon as possible."

TfL has recorded huge losses in income due to the pandemic and is strapped

The council believes the bridge fits the government's criteria for "shovel-ready" projects which it can fund and see work begin immediately.

Cllr Alexander Ehmann, chair of the Transport and Air Quality Services Committee on Richmond Council, said: "To use a favourite phrase of the Prime Minister, this is 'Dither and Delay' from the government.

"You asked for shovel ready projects, Mr Johnson, well here's one which is practically on your doorstep.

"Given your well documented enthusiasm for bridges, whether across the Thames or the Irish Sea, surely restoring Hammersmith Bridge is something which ticks all of your boxes.

"At the moment the future of both the temporary footbridge and the major repair works are hanging in the balance.

"With costs estimated at well over £100m – if they don't pay – who will?

"I do not believe that it is fair to ask local people to put their hands in the pockets and pay the millions of pounds needed to fix a bridge that is integral to the wider London network.

"We need the reassurance from the government that funding will be given – and soon."

Ms Olney said: "I am pleased that the decision was taken not to put the project on pause, which is the case with some other London schemes. I have been in regular contact with TfL during this time to press the case for Hammersmith Bridge as a priority project.

"I will work with my counterpart from Hammersmith, the local Councils and TfL in lobbying the Government for the additional funding required to get the work underway.

"I will also be in touch with local residents on how they can help us make the case to Government for these much-needed repairs."

Department for Transport reply

A DfT spokesperson said: "We recognise Hammersmith Bridge's importance and understand the concern around the additional congestion caused by its closure.

"We're currently considering TfL's bid for funding and will respond in due course."

All about the bridge

Hammersmith Bridge is owned and maintained by Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

Due to severe structural issues, the bridge was closed in April 2019.

Following a detailed investigation by a team of world-leading specialist engineers, TfL and Hammersmith and Fulham Council agreed on the future requirement of the bridge.

The first stage of the restoration programme began, and TfL provided £25 million to pay for it.

Early estimates indicate the wider work could cost around £140 million.