Hammersmith Bridge has closed to cars and buses for essential planned repairs .

Repairs will take place to the river crossing during half term holidays, with the bridge planned to reopen in the early hours of February 20.

The 130-year-old bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists while work, which started on Saturday (February 11) takes place.

Motorists are being diverted via Chiswick Bridge and Putney Bridge, while amendments have been made to public transport, with the 33, 209, 283, 419 and 485 bus services terminating before the bridge.

The 130-year-old Hammersmith Bridge

Passengers can walk across the bridge to continue their journey, while those less mobile can use the 72 which will be diverted via Chiswick.

Work on the crossing, which connects Barnes to Hammersmith , will see the replacement of the bridge decking and road surface panels.

Hammersmith Bridge currently operates under severe weight restrictions with only one bus in each direction permitted on the bridge at any one time.

TfL has produced a map showing the road diversions and potential travel impact during the half term closure of Hammersmith Bridge

The repairs are taking place during the school holidays to limit disruption.

Full refurbishment is scheduled to take place in late 2018 and will include overall strengthening of the structure and an improved road surface.

Hammersmith Bridge will undergo major refurbishment in 2018

However, the precise repair work to be carried out has not yet been identified, but will be assessed over the coming year with exact timescales and costs confirmed once this work is complete.

The bridge also closed during the February half term in 2010 for repairs.

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