Temporary bridge for Hammersmith

Transport for London plans to build a temporary walking and cycling bridge across the Thames at Hammersmith to speed up repairs to the Hammersmith Bridge. The Hammersmith Bridge had handled 22,000 vehicles a day but has been restricted to pedestrians and cyclists only since April last year after microfractures were discovered in its cast iron pedestals. The temporary prefabricated steel bridge would cater for the 16,000 pedestrians and cyclists who currently cross the river here. TfL has engaged with residents about the crossing and intends to submit a planning applicatio to Hammersmith & Fulham and Richmond councils. Construction of the bridge could start this summer with opening this winter. TfL has committed £25m to the cost of restoring the existing bridge and building the temporary structure. Hammersmith & Fulham and TfL have submitted a bid to the DfT to fund the full restoration of the bridge. The costs last autumn were reported as £120m (LTT 25 Oct 19).