Nearly seven years after Hammersmith Bridge was first closed to motorists, protesters gathered once more in Barnes to fight for the future of the historic crossing.
On 24 January more than a hundred protesters gathered at the Barnes end of the bridge, led by Putney MP Fleur Anderson, to demand the re-opening of the pedestrianised through path.
The 139-year-old grade II* listed bridge was closed to vehicles in 2019, but opposers argue this has simply driven traffic to neighbouring Putney Bridge.
Anderson argues the bridge’s closure is an inconvenience for her constituents, citing six major bus routes being severed which has left areas like Roehampton virtually cut off from the London transport network.
Barnes residents dispute this, stating the pedestrianisation has not only improved local air quality, but has created a safer and more peaceful neighbourhood – for them the cost of re-opening the bridge is far too much to pay for the convenience of Putney’s residents.
While both sides continue to fight, the reality remains the same – reopening the bridge will cost a projected £300 million and there are limited people willing to foot the bill.
Ray McDonald, a spokesperson for Hammersmith & Fulham Council, said: “Hammersmith Bridge, built in 1887, is one of the world’s oldest suspension bridges which is why it is also one of Britain’s most expensive to repair.
“Following the submission of our bid last year, we are currently waiting to hear whether the Grade II* listed bridge has been allocated money in the new £1billion Structures Fund for transport infrastructure including bridges, tunnels and roads.”
A TfL spokesperson said: “We have been supporting the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, who are the owners and highway authority for the bridge, for a number of years.
“We continue to work with the borough, the Department for Transport and others to agree the right solution, as well as to agree how any future works to the bridge might be funded.”
As the Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce prepares to meet, anticipation is building up over the future of the controversial site.
For one side it is essential the bridge is restored, for the other it is a safe haven they are unwilling to give up.
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Featured image credit: Alexia Thompson
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