London’s Hammersmith Bridge, which has been closed to cars since 2019, is going to be resurfaced to enable cycle use.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced £2.9m in government funding for the project, which will allow cyclists to cross the bridge separately from pedestrians.

Hammersmith Bridge was completed in 1887 and used for over 100 years. However, it was closed to traffic in 2019 due to safety concerns after cracks were discovered in the bridge’s pedestals. It was closed completely between August 2020 and July 2021, after which limited use resumed for cyclists and pedestrians.

A temporary cycle lane was installed by the local borough in February, but the new funding will ensure a more permanent solution. It is expected to be completed in November.

The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham owns the bridge and is responsible for its maintenance. The new lane will be in operation until further strengthening work can begin.

This latest investment takes total DfT funding on...