Hammersmith Bridge Strengthening Project - Stage 2

Hammersmith Bridge carries the A306 over the River Thames and connects the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) with the London Borough of Richmond-Upon-Thames. The bridge is a unique historic Grade II* listed suspension structure which opened to use in 1887.

The bridge was closed to all motor vehicles on 10 April 2019 following a safety assessment of the structure. Subsequently, on 13 August 2020, the bridge was closed to all users and river traffic beneath as continuous monitoring of the bridge identified that existing fractures on the north-east pedestal had increased in size. On 17 July 2021 Hammersmith Bridge re-opened on a temporary basis to pedestrians and cyclists following the recommendation of the Board for the Case for the Continued Safe Operation of Hammersmith Bridge (CCSO).

The works required to restore Hammersmith Bridge and return the bridge to full modal access (subject to pre-closure weight restrictions) are being carried out in two work packages or stages.

Stage 1, referred to as the Stabilisation Works, includes works required to the pedestals to stabilise the bridge to remedy safety issues relating to the pedestals and secure the ongoing safe use by pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic. The Stabilisation Works are expected to be completed by Autumn 2023.

Stage 2, referred to as the Strengthening Works, includes the more significant works required to strengthen and restore the bridge to full modal access (subject to pre-closure weight restrictions remaining). The completion of the Strengthening Works will enable the bridge to re-open to vehicular traffic on a long-term basis. The indicative capital cost of the Stage 2 works is £150m-£200m. This range reflects the range of potential engineering options.

LBHF is looking to enter a competitive procurement process with a view to awarding a long-term design, build, finance and maintenance contract with an availability-based payment mechanism.

LBHF wishes to conduct a further market engagement exercise prior to launching the procurement process. A market engagement exercise was carried out last year and LBHF has since agreed a procurement strategy for the Stage 2 works. The further market engagement exercise will include an industry day to be held on Monday 3rd July 2023 in the Main Hall, 1st floor of the Council offices at 3 Shortlands, Hammersmith, London W6 8DA and a market engagement questionnaire. Arrangements will be made to enable participants to join the industry day presentations virtually, if required.

LBHF will provide further details of the industry day event, including the agenda, to those parties that register an interest in participating in the event. The agenda will include financial, commercial and technical presentations. The industry day will include an opportunity to visit Hammersmith Bridge. Please note that as works are currently taking place on the bridge, the number of visitors may have to be limited.

The purpose of the market engagement exercise and industry day event is for LBHF to engage with potential bidders to outline the scope, objectives and programme for the forthcoming Hammersmith Bridge Restoration opportunity. LBHF wishes to seek feedback from the market on its proposed technical and commercial approach.

LBHF may invite participants to clarify or discuss aspects of the participant’s response to the questionnaire in writing and/ or through meetings.

The market engagement exercise is primarily aimed at potential tier 1 contractors, equity investors and funders with relevant experience of delivering major infrastructure projects. If you would like to participate in this market engagement, please register your interest by responding to procurement@lbhf.gov.uk by 14 June 2023.