Over half of Thames bridges rated poor, Hammersmith repair cost £300m
London Assembly warns of a widening maintenance backlog as key crossings face restrictions and costly upgrades
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The transport committee of the London Assembly told members on 3 July that a majority of the capital’s Thames crossings are now classified as poor or very poor. The assessment, based on data from 30 bridges, identified 16 in the lowest condition band. Hammersmith Bridge, closed to motor traffic since 2019, was highlighted as the most expensive item, with Hammersmith and Fulham Council estimating a £300 million price tag for full restoration and £128 million needed simply to keep the current pedestrian‑only arrangement.
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Residents of Barnet who travel south for work often use the A400 route that leads to Hammersmith Bridge. With the bridge limited to walkers and cyclists, many are forced onto alternative crossings such as the Westway or the newly congested Chelsea Bridge. The closure of Albert Bridge to vehicles since February has added further pressure, sending two‑tonne cars onto Chelsea Bridge, which officials say now requires an interim safety review.
Funding shortfall and the cost of inaction
TfL’s director of streets and network operations, Carl Eddleston, confirmed that the authority spends about £30 million a year on bridge upkeep but that future renewal will depend on securing additional money. He noted that TfL is applying for the national Structures Fund to help reopen Vauxhall Bridge, which has been closed since 2023, and is conducting feasibility studies for other crossings.
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“Only six are in good or fair condition, while 16 are poor or very poor,”
Satbir Gill, chair of the London Technical Advisors Group
What residents can do now
Barnet Council advises commuters to check real‑time traffic updates and consider public‑transport alternatives while bridge works continue. The council will monitor the impact of diverted traffic on local roads and will raise any emerging safety concerns with TfL during the next quarterly review.
Questions this report answers
+What proportion of Thames bridges are in poor condition?
The London Assembly’s transport committee reported that 16 of the 30 bridges that supplied data are rated as poor or very poor, meaning just over half of the crossings are in a low‑condition state.
+How much will it cost to fully restore Hammersmith Bridge?
Hammersmith and Fulham Council estimates a £300 million expense for a complete restoration of the 139‑year‑old bridge, with an additional £128 million required to maintain its current pedestrian‑only configuration.
+What steps are being taken to fund bridge repairs?
TfL is applying for the national Structures Fund and is conducting feasibility studies for future work. The London Assembly also urges a coordinated funding approach, echoing a 2019 report that called for centralised financing to address the maintenance backlog.
News London Desk
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