This Could Be the Most Beautiful Car-Free Bridge in the World

London’s Hammersmith Bridge has reopened but is now just for cyclist and pedestrians making the 138-year-old landmark one of the most breathtaking slices of car-free infrastructure anywhere.

Hammersmith Bridge is a striking suspension bridge spanning the River Thames in west London, carrying the A306 between Hammersmith and Barnes.

Hammersmith Bridge (photo X: @qagggy)

Originally opened in 1827 as the first suspension bridge to cross the Thames, the current structure dates to 1887 and was designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette, one of Victorian Britain’s most celebrated civil engineers. It rests on the original pier foundations laid by William Tierney Clark, who designed the earlier bridge. With its distinctive green hue, cast iron towers, and elegant wrought-iron detailing, Hammersmith Bridge is not just a vital piece of infrastructure but also a Grade II* listed landmark.

At 700 feet in length with a central span of 400 feet, the bridge is known for its historic architecture as well as its notoriety—it has been the target of three IRA attacks.

Hammersmith Bridge

In recent years, Hammersmith Bridge has faced significant structural challenges. Cracks discovered in the pedestals led to a full closure to motor vehicles in April 2019, followed by a temporary shutdown for pedestrians and cyclists in 2020. Though limited use resumed in 2021, the bridge remained under various levels of repair and restricted access until April 2025, when it reopened to foot and cycle traffic following extensive refurbishment of its wooden deck.

Despite its troubled recent history, the bridge remains a beloved symbol of west London, straddling the past and present in both form and function.

For more great bicycle infrastructure, check out this article.