Vital repair works to Hammersmith bridge are to cost £120m and will take three years to complete, it was revealed today.

The suspension bridge over the Thames was closed by Hammersmith and Fulham council in April after it found “critical faults” it said would risk the safety of users.

Read more: Hammersmith bridge costs will not be known until August, Sadiq Khan says

The Labour-run council said the first stage of repair works have now begun, and that that Transport for London (TfL) had committed £25m to the project.

Greg Hands, the Tory MP for Chelsea and Fulham, accused the council of “inflating” the cost of repairing the bridge, after it initially suggested the work would cost in the region of £30m-£40m.

As expected, H&F Council are inflating the cost of repairing Hammersmith Bridge. They suggested £30 – 40m in April. Now suddenly risen to £120m just today, & no work has even begun. They are setting themselves up to say it’s just too expensive. My constituents deserve better. pic.twitter.com/cHZFP58PKr — Greg Hands (@GregHands) September 3, 2019

The council said the £120m figure took into account the costs of contingencies.

“Early stage estimates indicate the work could cost £120m, although as this is purely early estimates it includes a contingency due to the unknowns, complexities and challenges inherent in repairing such an aged, Historic England listed structure,” it said.

Read more: Council blasted for ‘incompetence’ over Hammersmith bridge closure

“Engineers will continue to refine this estimate as the project progresses. TfL and H&F Council are continuing to explore the most appropriate funding route for the main construction.”

The refurbishment, once completed, will allow cars and buses to cross the bridge, but the council warned that TfL would continue to limit the flow of buses to prevent future damage.