Overview
- A report published Tuesday by Hammersmith and Fulham Council concluded there is no viable financial route to fully restore the bridge for motor traffic and recommended pursuing a smaller phased repair.
- The Department for Transport has urged the council to seek funding from its new £1bn Structures Fund for a phased programme rather than a full rebuild.
- Officers say a full restoration would cost about £300m while the council has already spent roughly £54m since 2019 on stabilisation and preparatory work.
- The council has submitted a pre-application for a £128m phased programme to keep the bridge open to pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic, will put the plan to cabinet in early July, and awaits a Structures Fund decision in the autumn; it also forecasts about £1.5m a year for inspections and maintenance from 2026/27.
- Local leaders warn continued vehicle closure has cut bus routes and worsened congestion for Putney and Roehampton, while cycling groups say the pedestrian and cycle focus has improved safety and travel for walkers and riders.