In April 2019, Hammersmith Bridge closed indefinitely to all vehicular traffic after cracks were discovered in its structure. The following year, in August, following a lack of progress and the crossing still being shut, the New York Times carried on its front page a report headed: “London Bridges Really Are Falling Down”.
Today, vehicles remain banned and the indications are the prohibition will be made permanent. The US newspaper’s headline was in the plural. Back then, there just was one barred bridge. Since then, Albert Bridge has banned vehicles until 2027 while it undergoes repairs. In north-east London, motor traffic has been forbidden from using Broadmead Road Bridge in Redbridge for years. It, too, bears the same warning signs and barriers as Hammersmith and Albert. Other bridges are also thought to be facing similar problems.
