Hammersmith Bridge \'closed indefinitely\' after faults found

Hammersmith Bridge 'closed indefinitely' after faults found

Hammersmith Bridge
Image caption Private vehicles and buses are banned from using the crossing but pedestrians and cyclists can still use it

Hammersmith Bridge has been closed indefinitely after safety checks revealed "critical faults".

Hammersmith and Fulham Council said it was left with "no choice" but to shut the bridge to motorists, until refurbishment costs can be met.

Government "budget cuts" left Transport for London unable to repair the 132-year-old bridge, the council said.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has been approached for comment.

Image caption The bridge was not designed to carry the weight or volume of "modern traffic", the council said

Private vehicles and seven bus services have been banned from using the bridge.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the crossing from Barnes to Hammersmith.

Hammersmith Bridge opened in 1887 and requires reinforcing to cope with heavy modern traffic like buses and lorries.

The council had previously threatened to close the bridge after its strict rules allowing one bus to use the bridge at a time were broken.

Image caption Many patchwork repairs have been carried out to the bridge's road surface over the years

In a statement, the council said: "Our weekly safety checks have revealed critical faults and we have no choice but to shut the bridge.

"Hammersmith Bridge is a Grade II listed, 132-year-old, structure. It was never designed for modern traffic.

"Closing the bridge is not a decision we've taken lightly and we know it will inconvenience many people. We're sorry for that disruption, but we must put the safety of the public first."