Local residents, campaigners and political leaders gathered in force on Saturday 24 January 2026 at the Barnes end of Hammersmith Bridge, delivering a clear and united message: reopen Hammersmith Bridge to vehicles, and reopen vital bus routes, without further delay.
More than 300 people signed up in advance for the Hammersmith Bridge Action Event, with a strong turnout on the day demonstrating the depth of local feeling. Residents from both sides of the river came together to highlight the continuing disruption caused by the near seven-year closure of this critical Thames crossing.
The rally was led by Putney MP Fleur Anderson, alongside the Leader of Wandsworth Council, Simon Hogg, and Leonie Cooper, London Assembly Member for Merton and Wandsworth. All three addressed the crowd, pledging to continue pressing for urgent funding and action to restore the bridge and reconnect communities.
Speakers and residents alike stressed the urgent need not only to reopen the bridge to vehicles, but also to reinstate bus services, which many described as essential for residents, older people, students and those without access to cars.
Hammersmith Bridge’s prolonged closure continues to force traffic onto overcrowded surrounding roads, worsen congestion in Putney and Roehampton, increase safety risks for cyclists and pedestrians, disrupt bus routes and leave Roehampton effectively cut off. Local businesses, families and commuters spoke of the daily toll on their lives.
Fleur Anderson MP said:
“Today showed just how strongly our community feels. Hundreds of people came out because Hammersmith Bridge matters, to our economy, our safety and our daily lives. There is real momentum now, and we will keep pushing until this bridge and our bus routes are fully reopened.”