Hammersmith Bridge is a test for Burnham’s place-based growth

Hammersmith Bridge, a crucial artery in south-west London, has been shut to vehicles and emergency services for seven years now. Despite the economic repercussions felt across Putney, Barnes, and Richmond, there remains no funded route to reopen it. The bridge's closure has led to a daily traffic of around 22,000 vehicles being redirected through other routes, adding congestion, extending journey times, and placing greater pressure on surrounding roads.

The question is not who should bear the responsibility for repairing the bridge, but whether the government possesses the political will to undertake this task. With Labour controlling every level of government, it should be within their power to oversee the bridge's reopening. The cost of keeping the bridge open for pedestrians and cyclists is estimated at £128 million, which seems unjustified when taxpayers are asked to spend a substantial sum merely maintaining a fraction of the bridge's intended capacity.

More than 70% of local businesses have reported that the closure has affected their staff, suppliers, or customers, leading to a slow-down in productivity. Hammersmith Bridge's reopening would not only alleviate congestion but also serve as a tangible demonstration of the government's commitment to place-based growth, benefiting not just London but the entire nation.