There are lots of new infrastructure projects, but what about fixing what we already have?

As Rishi Sunak prepares to unveil his first Budget, Chris Blackhurst says we need to get our priorities right

Hammersmith Bridge has been closed to traffic for almost a year (Getty)

Every morning I join the throng wending its way across Hammersmith Bridge. The 133-year-old crossing over the Thames in west London has been closed to vehicles for almost a year after cracks were discovered in its cast-iron frame.

The result is long traffic tailbacks leading to the nearest alternative bridges at Chiswick and Putney; pedestrians forced to use a narrow path which is packed at peak periods; and some businesses on the south side of Hammersmith Bridge forced to shut up shop because of a drop in trade.

It will be like this for at least three years as the bridge is repaired. This is the theory – some say it will take even longer, the most sceptical doubt it may never properly reopen. The bill has already climbed to £125m. Again, some believe that will go higher still.