Hammersmith and Fulham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Historic lanterns on the 138-year-old Hammersmith and Fulham Bridge have been restored, marking a milestone in preserving London’s landmark structures.
As part of the £2.9 million renovation of the main carriageway at Hammersmith and Fulham Bridge, all 22 lanterns have been updated with energy-efficient lighting.
While maintaining the unique style of the ground, the lights are now 56 more effective and brighter than ahead.
The heritage lights, which were first erected as gas lights in 1887, need an elevation because numerous of them were broken or damaged. To keep ground druggies safe while the original lanterns were being fixed, the lanterns skirting the ground’s walkways were taken down and replaced with new lights.
Before being reinstalled, they were all streamlined with contemporary energy-effective LEDs and repainted in the heritage color. This work follows the successful stabilization trouble and is an element of the broader enhancement of the Grade II *- listed ground.
Since August 2020, when Hammersmith Bridge was fully closed due to safety concerns, Hammersmith & Fulham Council has spent an aggregate of £48 million repairing and maintaining the ground. Ever ago, our professed masterminds have
effectively replaced the seized puritanical comportments, strengthened the cast- iron pedestals, and installed sword supports to stabilize the 138- time-old ground.
The poles that join the ground sundeck to its suspense chains are corroborated old, overstressed hangers.
fixed several of the timbers supporting the decking and replaced all of the deteriorated rustic sundeck boards.
To enhance the experience for bikes, climbers, ande-scooter druggies, the expressway and walkways were resurfaced.
Ultramodern engineering and scrupulous restoration of one of the oldest suspense islands in the world were combined in this design. To completely rehabilitate the major ground so that it can accommodate motors and motorcars, further intricate and unknown work is demanded.
For Hammersmith Bridge to remain open and safe, extensive maintenance will continue to be necessary.
When were the refurbished lanterns reinstalled on the bridge?
Hammersmith Bridge’s 22 refurbished heritage lanterns were reinstalled during the final stages of the£ 2.9 million main expressway metamorphosis, completed in late November 2025, with full functional lighting actuated by December 4, 2025.
Firstly removed from paths due to damage/ breakage( replaced with temporary safety lights), the lanterns underwent off- point refurbishment including LED upgrades for 56 effectiveness earnings. They were reinstalled along the ground’s expressway and pathspost-resurfacing, conserving 1887 gas lantern aesthetics while enhancing brilliance and sustainability.
Work aligned with rambler/ cyclist reopening (April 2025); lanterns’ gleam- up coincides with broader restoration amid ongoing vehicular check repairs (total cost £250m).