A bridge over the Thames has been closed to traffic after the structure was found to have critical faults.

Hammersmith Bridge, which opened in 1887, closed on Wednesday over safety concerns.

Cyclists and pedestrians can still use the Grade II*-listed bridge but it will be closed to motorists indefinitely, Hammersmith and Fulham council said. The council blamed government cuts for the closure.

A statement said: “Our weekly safety checks have revealed critical faults and we have no choice but to shut the bridge.

“We have a fully tested plan to refurbish the bridge and we’re ready to start work. But, due to government budget cuts, Transport for London (TfL) says it can no longer fund the planned refurbishment. This is a huge disappointment.

“Regrettably, we’ve now been left with no option but to close the bridge indefinitely until the refurbishment costs can be met.

“So we’re supporting TfL’s call for the government to invest in this vital river crossing and national monument – so we can get on with the work and reopen the bridge.”

The issues were discovered during a weekly safety check carried out by the council, which said diversions were in place for buses and other traffic. The bridge has been closed several times in recent years because of structural issues.

The Department for Transport has been approached for a comment.

A TfL spokesperson said: “Although funding the maintenance of the bridge is not TfL’s responsibility, we are working with Hammersmith and Fulham Council to identify a final plan for upgrading their bridge. We are also ready to support them in identifying the necessary funding for this work.

“Keeping local authority infrastructure in good condition is essential to ensure the wider road network stays safe and productive and helps the economy grow. We need the certainty of a long-term steady and sustained funding arrangement to allow London to cover the costs of its own infrastructure maintenance.”



