The Department for Transport has announced it will contribute up to one third of the costs required to reopen Hammersmith Bridge which closed to all users in August 2020.

The funding will be provided as part of a new joint deal between the Department for Transport (DfT), TfL and London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

The 'Extraordinary Funding and Financing Agreement for Transport for London' states that, "during the period of this agreement, we expect to draw up a memorandum of understanding between Her Majesty's government, TfL and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) to fund the reopening of Hammersmith Bridge – initially to pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic and, depending on cost, to motorists."

The conditions for the funding include: "Each party agrees to pay a share of the cost.Repair costs are to be led by LBHF and TfL, HMG will not directly contribute more than 1/3 of the costs", and "That the independent Board responsible for the Case for Continued Safe Operation, reporting to LBHF, will conduct a new assessment for controlled and limited reopening of the bridge to pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic once further investigations and report validations are completed at the end of June."

The 133-year-old, grade-II crossing closed to vehicular traffic in April 2019 after a micro-fracture was found in its north east pedestal.

During a mini heatwave in August 2020, the cracks widened and engineers Mott McDonald advised Hammersmith and Fulham Council to also ban pedestrians and cyclists until further checks were complete and a timetable for strengthening works was confirmed.

The only detailed proposal for fully fixing the bridge, including for cars and buses, is the council's collaboration with architects Foster + Partners and engineers COWI.

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