TFL announces new bridge plans
TFL has announced 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 microfractures were found in its iron pedestals.
Some 16,000 cyclists and pedestrians still use the 133-year-old suspension bridge every day.
But TfL said 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 South and West
Londoners 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 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.”