London Bridge is the only one not falling down.
Well, it can seem that way. The capital’s crossings seem to be in the news every few weeks for some kind of metal fatigue or introduced weight limit. What gives? (Hopefully not the carriageway.)
To make sense of it, we’ve prepped a little graphic showing all the crossings with some kind of problem or restriction, with more information down below:
Hammersmith Bridge
Hammersmith Bridge is absolute chuffing bliss at the moment… if you’re a pedestrian or cyclist. Gorgeous, Victorian suspension bridge, leafy views, all untroubled by the growl of engines. If you did need to get across in a car or bus, then bad luck. The 140-year-old bridge, designed by Joseph Bazalgette, has a history of structural problems. The latest set have seen the span closed to motor traffic since 2019, much to the chagrin of Barnes residents who’ve lost a major plank of connectivity. The repair cost keeps spiralling and the politics are messy. It’s going to stay this way for a long time yet.
Putney Bridge
A bit of a cheeky entry, as this bridge remains fully open to motors, pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, people on space hoppers and any other legal form of transport. That flippantly listed space hopper might be faster than a car, however. Recent changes to the road network at the southern end, coupled with the ongoing closure of Hammersmith Bridge, have made this one of the most clogged crossings in the capital.
Albert Bridge
This spindly crossing has ‘I’m a bit fragile’ written all over it. Literally. It’s most famous for its signs informing soldiers to march out of step, lest they provoke a resonant wobble. Hence, the bridge’s nickname of ‘the trembling lady’. The bridge has deteriorated in recent years, and was closed to motor traffic in February 2026 ‘for up to a year’ after cracks were found in the cast iron supports. Opened in 1873, it was never built to take the weight of modern traffic. So, an optimist might say that, with cyclists and pedestrians still welcome, the bridge is living up to its original design specifications.
Vauxhall Bridge
Vauxhall Bridge has always looked a little tatterdemalion. The deterioration is now official, after TfL announced a weight limit to the 120-year-old span. No vehicles over 18 tonnes will be allowed to cross from July 2026. Except for buses. And emergency vehicles. TfL are keen to point out that the bridge remains safe, and that the restrictions are to prevent further damage while a repair plan is formulated… but it all feels like a first step towards more severe restrictions at a later date.
Lambeth Bridge
Lambeth’s been closed a fair few times of late, mostly to make the bridge safer for cyclists. It also suffers from structural issues, however, and has been placed on the same ‘critical’ list by TfL as Vauxhall and Westminster bridges. It remains open for now, but will need serious work in the near future.
Westminster Bridge
As with Lambeth Bridge, TfL considers Westminster Bridge to be in “very poor condition” and in need of major upgrades. It, too, remains open… for now.
Hungerford Rail Bridge
The rail bridge into Charing Cross is also in a sorry state. Major track maintenance has not been carried out since the 1990s. Hence, the bridge will close for 22 days, from 26 July to Sunday 16 August 2026. That means the complete closure of Charing Cross mainline station. The Golden Jubilee footbridges either side will remain open.
Blackfriars Bridge
The bridge remains open to pedestrians, cyclists and motor traffic, but parts of the walkways are currently halved in width by fencing. The span is undergoing a bit of an overhaul, including a multi-million pound paint job — started four years ago, but delayed thanks to the works on the super-sewer. In accordance with ancient City custom, a bale of hay has been suspended from the southern arch, to alert boats to the works.
