An agreement is to be drawn up to settle the funding needed to reopen Hammersmith Bridge.

A memorandum of understanding is to be produced to divide the costs between the Government, Transport for London(TfL) and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (H&F) to share the cost of repairs aimed at allowing pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic to use it. Depending on cost, vehicles may be allowed later.

The Government funding commitment is for no more than one-third of an agreed cost, with TfL and H&F sharing the balance. All parties will scrutinise and decide the eventual cost.

TfL and the London boroughs are responsible for local road maintenance, including bridge repairs, while H&F is accountable for the safety and maintenance of the bridge. 

The Government will also fund the Hammersmith ferry service alongside local contributions.

Other temporary crossing proposals are also being considered, including those designed to help ease traffic congestion caused by the closure.

World famous architects from Foster + Partners and engineers from COWI have presented their vision for a temporary truss structure to the bridge task force and H&F has subsequently commissioned a feasibility study into their proposal.

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