This response was given on 18 Sep 2020
The Government wants to see Hammersmith Bridge opened as soon as safely possible, so that – at a minimum – people can cycle and walk across. We have established a group to determine the next steps.
The Government wants to make sure that Londoners can move round the capital easily, on public transport, through active travel and on our roads. As part of that, the Government wants to see Hammersmith Bridge opened as soon as safely possible, so that – at a minimum – people can cycle and walk across the river, and in time return the bridge to full use.
To help find a speedy resolution to the situation, the Government has established a Taskforce – led by Baroness Vere – to bring together the two Councils, TfL and the Ports Authority to assess and determine next steps. To aid the Taskforce, the Department for Transport has commissioned its own engineering advice on the Bridge’s state of repair.
The Department will also continue to work with local groups and stakeholders to consider all the options available to help deliver an immediate solution – including any temporary measures that can be brought in to help with local traffic."