The iconic west London bridge has opened again.
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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.