Fulham Faces Seven Weeks of Traffic Chaos

---

Kings Road to be partially closed before Olympic embargo

Fulham is facing up to seven weeks of traffic chaos from Monday May 14 as Kings Road is partially closed to allow for a faulty gas main to be replaced.

The faulty gas pipe in has suffered six leaks in the past 18 months, leading to a series of emergency repairs. Each time the pipe has been patched up temporary traffic lights have been required – bringing gridlock to local roads.

National Grid Gas and its contractor Morrison is now intending to solve the problem permanently by replacing the old gas pipe with a brand new main.

National Grid will be working overtime to complete the replacement quickly, but say they will limit the hours for noisy works.

Some local traders however are concerned about the potential disruption the works could cause.

Works to the main carriageway will begin from May 14 and are expected to last for seven weeks. The scheme must finish no later than June 30 – the final day that planned highways work is allowed to go ahead in the capital before the Olympics embargo on road works which starts on July 1.

Cllr Nick Botterill, Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council, said: " This gas main has been a constant thorn in the side of residents, businesses and commuters on a very busy road for some time. While the problem clearly needs to be solved we have pressed National Grid to introduce measures that minimise disruption.

" National Grid has agreed to extend their working hours so the job is completed as quickly as possible and, following requests from traders, keep fire gates open where it is safe and appropriate to do so."

From May 14, the eastbound lane of Kings Road, between Waterford Road and Sandford Street, will be closed to all traffic though access will be maintained for pedestrians.

A diversion will be in place for motorists via New Kings Road, Harwood Road and Fulham Road in H&F, continuing into Edith Grove and then back onto Kings Road in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

The westbound lane will be open as normal.

In H&F both Cambria Street and Edith Row will be closed to traffic at certain times during the carriageway works, so the fire gate on Michael Road will be open. Residents of Maynard Close will be diverted via Cambria Street, Michael Road and Waterford Road.

The council has consulted residents, local businesses and Transport for London (TfL) on the situation, while National Grid Gas has sent letters to local residents to about the works.

To make sure the work is done in time for the embargo, National Grid Gas’ extended working hours will be:
Monday - Friday 8am – 10pm (no noisy works after 8pm)
Saturday 8am – 8pm (no noisy works after 6pm)
Sunday 10am – 6pm (no noisy works) as and when required.

For further information, residents can call National Grid’s customer team on 0845 246 1285.

May 11, 2012