Stabilisation Work on Hammersmith Bridge Set To Begin
Project aims to reopen route to pedestrians and cyclists ‘as soon as possible’
The Hammersmith Bridge Task Force has confirmed that work to stabilise the bridge’s cracked pedestals will begin this week.
The stabilisation has been costed at £46 million, and would enable pedestrians and cyclists to use the bridge when finished.
The announcement came a day after Hammersmith and Fulham Council unveiled a new proposal to build a “double decker” bridge that could be built within its existing structure and while repairs take place.
Council leader Stephen Cowan said the proposal was drawn up in collaboration with property developer Delancy, architects Foster + Partners, and bridge engineers COWI.
After the Task Force met on November 27, its chair, Baroness Vere, a transport minister, tweeted: “Pleased to confirm at today’s #HammersmithBridge Task Force meeting that contractors will be working on-site from next week on immediate stabilisation work. Positive discussions also around new proposals on bridge’s repair.”
After the meeting, Task Force spokesperson Dana Shelley said: “The Taskforce… noted the positive meeting with the Transport Secretary and Cllr Cowan… to discuss new proposals for the reopening of the bridge to both pedestrians and cyclists and motor vehicles. A further meeting on the temporary bridge proposals and funding is due to take place shortly.
“Cllr Cowan updated the Task Force on the new proposals from Delancey and Foster + Partners and discussed with the Task Force how these might be incorporated into the current project plan.
“Alongside DfT engineers and officials, I am continuing to provide project management support to assess and review all the proposals with the goal of enabling people to cross the river and move under the bridge as soon as possible.
“The temporary ferry service is on track to be the most immediately available alternative river crossing for pedestrians and cyclists at Hammersmith Bridge.
“The immediate mitigations work to the bridge’s two western pedestals is underway and contractors will be onsite from next week.”
Owen Sheppard - Local Democracy Reporter
December 1, 2020