Hammersmith, London

Perfect weather for the pubs by the river.

Hammersmith Bridge, the elegant Victorian suspension bridge, has become a symbol of London's ageing infrastructure woes. The 136-year-old crossing closed to vehicles in 2019 and then to pedestrians in 2020 due to critical structural issues, with temperature changes causing dangerous cracks in its cast iron pedestals.

The closure has created havoc for locals, forcing lengthy detours and splitting communities on both sides of the Thames. School children and commuters initially had to take boats across the river. While it reopened to pedestrians and cyclists in July 2021, the bridge remains closed to motor traffic.

The saga continues with debates over the bridge's £140+ million repair bill, with ongoing disputes between local council, Transport for London, and central government over who should foot the bill. The Grade II listed structure's unique design makes repairs particularly complex, and its future as a vehicle crossing remains uncertain.Read more