Hammersmith Bridge re-opens for cyclists

The iconic west London bridge has opened again.

Transcript

00:00Hammersmith Bridge is now open to cyclists, though no timeline has been set for the return

00:06of motor vehicles. The 138-year-old bridge was closed to cars in April 2019. Over the

00:13Easter Bank holiday weekend, the main carriageway reopened with newly installed decking following

00:18a £2.9 million refurbishment, allowing access for cyclists. The London Borough of Hammersmith

00:26and Fulham, which owns the Grade 2 listed structure, said the update will enhance the experience

00:32for pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter riders as well. There are now three separate lanes

00:39in the carriageway, one for cyclists travelling north, another for cyclists going south, and

00:44a third two-way pedestrian path as well. The outer footways will also remain open to pedestrians

00:50only. The council said the new wider pedestrian lane offers more space, improving access

00:56disability for people who use wheelchairs. It added that e-cargo bikes, which fit between

01:01the newly installed 1.2-metre anti-terror barges, are also being trialled on the bridge to shuttle

01:08older and disabled residents as well as young children. Last year, the cost of repairing the

01:14river crossing nearly doubled from initial estimates to £250 million. The cost is to be

01:20split three ways between the Department for Transport, the Council and Transport for London as well.

01:26A DFT suggestion to demolish it and replace it with a new crossing was rejected at a meeting in January

01:32of a task force including Council representatives, MPs from either side of the bridge, Transport for London

01:39and London's Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance.