uknip247 
The cost of repairing the damage inflicted upon Hammersmith Bridge by a boat carrying West Ham fans has been disclosed by a West London council. Last December, the MV Emerald of London vessel collided with the Grade II* listed bridge while transporting fans down the River Thames to Craven Cottage, the stadium of Fulham FC. The incident left the gantry severed, necessitating stabilization works to be halted until repairs are completed.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council, which oversees the bridge’s maintenance, has revealed that the estimated cost of fixing the gantry stands at £100,000. This expense comes amidst the backdrop of millions already invested in the bridge’s upkeep, following the discovery of microfractures in its pedestals back in 2019.
The council indicated that it has no choice but to bear the costs of repairs to ensure the progress of the project. However, it intends to seek reimbursement from the company that owns the boat involved in the collision.
The incident exacerbates the already extensive challenges facing Hammersmith Bridge, which has been closed to motor vehicles since the discovery of structural issues in 2019. Despite partial reopening to pedestrians and cyclists in 2021, the bridge’s full restoration remains in limbo due to a funding impasse between the council, Transport for London (TfL), and the Government.
Cllr Sharon Holder, Hammersmith and Fulham Cabinet Member for the Public Realm, underscored the council’s commitment to fully reopening the bridge to motor vehicles, including buses. However, she emphasized the need for financial support from TfL and the Department for Transport (DfT), as well as an agreement on funding mechanisms such as tolls.
A business case submitted to the DfT by the council last April is pending approval, with ongoing reviews aimed at ensuring viability and value for taxpayers. TfL has pledged its support to the borough in advancing the project.
Efforts to obtain comments from London Party Boats, the owner of the MV Emerald of London, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
