Hammersmith Bridge will be closed to vehicles during half-term as work to strengthen it goes underway.

The bridge is currently operating until severe weight restrictions with only one bus permitted to travel in either direction at one time.

The work, being carried out by Hammersmith and Fulham Council and Transport for London (TfL), is scheduled to start at 5pm on Saturday, October 21, until early morning on Sunday, October 29.

Major repairs for the bridge are planned for late 2018, and the works this month are intended to ensure it can operate effectively until the repairs are carried out.

Motorists will be diverted via Chiswick Bridge and Putney Bridge and both footways will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists who will have to dismount to cross.

Richmond Council’s cabinet member for highways and streetscene, Councillor Peter Buckwell, said: “Although Hammersmith Bridge is owned and operated by Hammersmith and Fulham CounciI, supported by TfL, the effect of any restrictions or closure is felt keenly by LBRUT residents.

“The current period of closures, leading up to major repairs in 2018, is very frustrating for all those affected.

“I want to ensure residents and businesses are given as much notice as possible of this essential maintenance work to Hammersmith Bridge.

“It will cause disruption to roads in Richmond but has been planned for the Half Term holiday to minimise disruption to the surrounding area.

“Hammersmith and Fulham Council and TfL have apologised in advance for the disruption this work will cause and are reassuring residents and businesses that loud equipment will not be used after 8pm.”

The following bus services will terminate before the bridge: 33, 209, 283, 419, 485.

To comment on the repair works, contact Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s transport team at bridgeproject@lbhf.gov.uk