The U.K.’s Department for Transport has allocated $3.6 million to enable cyclists to use Hammersmith Bridge in London, which was closed to all traffic in 2019 due to worsening cracks during a heatwave. Cyclists and pedestrians were later allowed to use the bridge, but cyclists had to share a footway with pedestrians. The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, which owns the bridge, will use the new government funding to introduce a new, fully resurfaced cycle lane, expected to be completed in November. This will allow cyclists to cross the bridge quickly and separately from pedestrians, without having to dismount.
The introduction of a temporary cycle lane by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham earlier this year is part of the efforts to address the closure of the bridge to vehicular traffic. The government funding aims to facilitate further strengthening work on the bridge in the future, with the hope of eventually reopening it to all traffic. The decision to provide funds for a dedicated cycle lane is seen as a step towards creating a more sustainable and accessible transportation option for cyclists in the area.
Leo Murray, co-director of the climate charity Possible, has been campaigning for the permanent opening of Hammersmith Bridge to cyclists and pedestrians. He believes that with a proper cycle crossing over the Thames, most people will be able to make local journeys in a clean, cheap, and healthy way that contributes to solving London’s environmental problems. The implementation of a new cycle lane on the bridge is expected to improve commuting options for cyclists and reduce the reliance on motor vehicles in the area.
Hammersmith Bridge, built in 1887, is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world, making it expensive to repair and maintain. The closure of the bridge to vehicular traffic has had a significant impact on the local community and transportation network. The funding provided by the U.K.’s Department for Transport demonstrates a commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the bridge’s closure and enabling cyclists to use the bridge safely and efficiently. The new cycle lane is expected to enhance connectivity for cyclists in the area, promoting sustainable modes of transportation and reducing congestion on surrounding roads.
The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, responsible for the maintenance of Hammersmith Bridge, will oversee the implementation of the new cycle lane with the allocated government funding. The resurfacing works on the bridge are scheduled to be completed by November, allowing cyclists to cross the bridge without having to dismount or share a footway with pedestrians. The temporary cycle lane installed earlier this year is a precursor to the permanent cycle lane that will be established with the new funding, contributing to the long-term accessibility and sustainability of the bridge for cyclists and pedestrians in London.
The reopening of Hammersmith Bridge to all traffic is a key priority for the U.K. government, with plans to conduct further strengthening work on the bridge in the future. The government funding provided for the new cycle lane is part of a broader effort to address the challenges posed by the closure of the bridge and improve transportation options for cyclists in the area. As one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world, Hammersmith Bridge holds historical significance and remains an important link for commuters in London. The introduction of a dedicated cycle lane on the bridge is expected to enhance connectivity and promote sustainable transportation solutions for the local community.
