Construct - Issue 50

All photography courtesy of Hammersmith & Fulham Council Bespoke hydraulic jacks that allowed the bridge to be raised by ten millimetres were locked in place using grout which dried over a 48-hour period. With the bridge lifted, the team was able to access the old rollers and pull them free from their mounts. After raising the bridge another fifteen millimetres, the new bearings were installed before returning the bridge to its original position. HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE “We’ve worked with FM Conway on a number of projects, and FACTS Contract Hammersmith Bridge Stabilisation Client

we’ve built the trust to work on sensitive and detailed-oriented tasks like this” Customised steel frames were installed to mitigate the additional stresses of the jacking process. The first phase of this work was completed during a single overnight closure and was the only time during the project when the crossing was completely closed to the public. “We carried out non-destructive tests on every critical component throughout the process,” says trainee supervisor Jaden Brighten. “The jacking phase represented a major step up in the stress levels on the bridge, so from the moment works started, we made sure that every new and existing part was capable of taking the strain.”

London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Divisions Structures Consultancy Traffic Management Delivery Partners Mott McDonald Arcadis

With all permanent works completed and a new bridge deck, lighting, and safety measures installed, the crossing was reopened to pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter users in April 2025. The successful delivery of the works, in partnership between FM Conway and Hammersmith and Fulham Council, ensures the bridge will continue to connect the residents of Barnes and Hammersmith for years to come. “Our borough’s central crossing, Hammersmith Bridge stands for more than just a name – it’s a London icon,” says Ian Hawthorn, assistant director of highways and parks at the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. “We’ve worked with FM Conway on a number of projects, and we’ve built the trust to work on sensitive and detailed-oriented tasks like this, giving the bridge a new lease of life for pedestrians and cyclists alike.”

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