Hammersmith Bridge in London is unlikely to reopen to vehicular traffic, with the local council stating that the estimated £300 million required for repairs is unaffordable. The bridge, a Grade II-listed structure that is 139 years old, has been closed to cars since April 2019 due to cracks discovered in its wrought-iron structure.

Following £3 million in upgrades focused on 'active travel,' the bridge's main carriageway reopened to cyclists and e-scooters over the 2025 Easter weekend. This project was supported by a £2.9 million grant from the Department for Transport (DfT).

A report prepared for a late June Cabinet meeting by Hammersmith and Fulham Council (LBHF) indicated that there are "no financial option available" to fund the restoration for cars. The council's primary funding avenue is the government's £1 billion Structures Fund, designed for aging infrastructure.

LBHF plans to bid for £128 million from this fund for a phased repair program aimed at keeping the bridge open for pedestrians and cyclists. If successful, the bridge would remain focused on active travel for the foreseeable future, as full restoration is unlikely to be completed by the fund's March 31, 2030 deadline.

The council reports it has spent £54 million on the bridge since 2019, including £37 million for stabilization, monitoring, and safe operation, and £17 million for preparatory restoration work. LBHF asserts it is owed £22.9 million from the DfT and Transport for London (TfL) based on an agreed cost-sharing plan.

Even without major restoration, the council anticipates needing £1.5 million annually from 2026/27 for safety inspections, monitoring, and maintenance of the bridge, which is currently classified as a 'substandard structure.' Major components are past their design life, posing a risk of closure without investment.

The council has expressed pride in the £3 million invested in the cycle path, stating it promotes confidence for residents and businesses and supports economic growth. However, public reaction has been mixed, with some expressing concerns about increased congestion on surrounding routes and others welcoming the shift away from car traffic.

Hammersmith Bridge, designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette, was built in 1887. It is London's lowest bridge and has had weight restrictions since 2015.