Hammersmith Bridge has been closed because of cracks in its pedestals, the section of the base which support the structure.
The bridge was closed in April and Hammersmith and Fulham Council said it had “no choice” but to shut the bridge to vehicles.
A Freedom of Information request has revealed safety checks found the bridge’s supports had seized up due to corrosion. This has caused the flexibility to become compromised.
The lack of flexibility has caused “hairline micro-fractures” in iron casing around the pedestals.
Engineers were believed to be monitoring the bridge after crowds congregated on the bridge to watch the boat race.
Motorised vehicles have been banned from crossing the bridge, however pedestrians and cyclists are still allowed to use it.
The bridge opened in 1887 but with the advent of heavy motorised traffic, now requires reinforcing.
The council had previously threatened to close the bridge after its strict rule, allowing one bus over at a time, was broken.
The council say “18 world-class specialist engineers” are currently working on the bridge. It’s believed that the renovation may take up to three years.
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HeadlineHammersmith Bridge closed because of cracks in pedestals
Short HeadlineHammersmith Bridge closed due to cracks
StandfirstHammersmith Bridge is still open to pedestrians and cyclists but the road is closed
Hammersmith Bridge has been closed because of cracks in its pedestals, the section of the base which support the structure.
The bridge was closed in April and Hammersmith and Fulham Council said it had “no choice” but to shut the bridge to vehicles.
A Freedom of Information request has revealed safety checks found the bridge’s supports had seized up due to corrosion. This has caused the flexibility to become compromised.
The lack of flexibility has caused “hairline micro-fractures” in iron casing around the pedestals.
Engineers were believed to be monitoring the bridge after crowds congregated on the bridge to watch the boat race.
Motorised vehicles have been banned from crossing the bridge, however pedestrians and cyclists are still allowed to use it.
The bridge opened in 1887 but with the advent of heavy motorised traffic, now requires reinforcing.
The council had previously threatened to close the bridge after its strict rule, allowing one bus over at a time, was broken.
The council say “18 world-class specialist engineers” are currently working on the bridge. It’s believed that the renovation may take up to three years.
