TfL Publish Plans For Temporary Crossing Beside Hammersmith Bridge
Proposed structure would carry foot and bike traffic while repairs take place
Picture: TfL
TfL has published plans for a temporary pedestrian and cycling crossing beside Hammersmith Bridge.
The grade II*-listed landmark was deemed unsafe for all motor-vehicle traffic in April last year after micro-fractures were found in its iron pedestals.
TfL say that some 16,000 cyclists and pedestrians still use the 133-year-old suspension bridge every day and the temporary bridge will be needed when the main bridge fully closes for the repair job, which could take 'up to three years'.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who runs TfL, said: “This temporary crossing – which would be built by TfL – would ensure Londoners can continue to travel across the Thames on foot or by bike, while essential repairs are carried out to restore the original bridge.”
A statement from the organisation said, “It is essential it is brought back into full use as soon as possible… “Its closure to vehicles has caused significant congestion in the local area and on other Thames bridges, as well as disruption to those using public transport.”
The temporary bridge being proposed is a prefabricated steel structure, supported by two piers in the river.
The bridge would be step-free and have a 5.5-metre-wide space for pedestrians and cyclists. It would be accessed by shallow ramps from Queen Caroline Street on the north bank, and from close to the junction of Castelnau and Riverview Gardens on the south bank.
TfL is now asking for feedback on the proposals. A formal planning application will later be submitted to Hammersmith and Fulham Council and Richmond Council.
It has committed £25 million towards funding planning and design work for the repairs, as well as the cost of a temporary bridge.
However, it is united with Hammersmith and Fulham Council in arguing that the Government should fund most of the repairs. A TfL spokesman said an updated cost estimate could be released in April. On February 26, Hammersmith and Fulham Council leader Stephen Cowan recently suggested it could be “at least £120 million”.
Mr Cowan recently said it was thanks to his administration that the structural review of the bridge – which discovered the faults – had been ordered. Otherwise there “would have been a disaster”.
As the temporary bridge proposal was announced, Mr Cowan said: “A temporary bridge across the Thames would keep pedestrians and cyclists on the move, as well as help us complete the restoration as quickly and safely as possible. Now we’re joining with TfL to call on the Government to help fund the full restoration of the bridge.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said, “We recognise Hammersmith Bridge’s importance and understand the concern around the additional congestion caused by its closure. We’re currently considering TfL’s bid for funding and will respond in due course.”
TfL is hosting public drop-in exhibitions where residents can find out more about the proposals. They are being held at the following times:
Saturday March 14 from 11am to 3pm, at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, W6 9BN
Tuesday March 17 from 6pm to 9pm at the Castelnau Community Centre, Barnes, SW13 9AQ
Thursday March 19 from 4pm to 8pm at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, W6 9BN
Saturday March 21 from 1pm to 5pm at St Michael & All Angels, Barnes, SW13 0NX
The public consultation will run from March 14 and March 22 and you can take part by visiting: www.tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/hammersmith-bridge
Owen Sheppard - Local Democracy Reporter
March 10, 2020