Hammersmith Bridge: 'At least five more years until it reopens', Londoners told on 5th anniversary of closure

Londoners have been warned on the fifth anniversary of the closure of Hammersmith Bridge that it will be at least another five years before it can be reopened to cars, even if the £250 million estimated cost of fixing it is found today.

The Grade II* listed crossing was hurriedly closed to vehicles five years ago after its owner, Hammersmith and Fulham council, found that its wrought-iron structure was riddled with cracks. Pedestrians and cyclists were temporarily banned the following year.

The shutdown has brought worse congestion to much of west London, isolated residents