| Topic: | Re:Hammersmith Bridge won't be fully open until 2026 | |
| Posted by: | Jonathan Callaway | |
| Date/Time: | 29/10/20 09:49:00 |
| Adrian, I was also on that call last night and here is my summary of events, prepared for the Putney Society. Yes 6 1/2 years before vehicles will be able to cross again, always subject to funding being agreed and a cogent, fully costed plan being put forward to the Dept for Transport by LB Hammersmith & Fulham. Could easily be longer given TfL can agree to no financial contribution at all until it agrees a new bailout with DfT funds. It's all on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEvjkH3Eu48 Hammersmith Bridge taskforce meeting Meeting chaired expertly by Baroness Charlotte Vere, Minister for Roads in DfT. 1,000 attendees on Zoom. Other contributors: • Heidi Alexander, deputy Mayor/GLA • Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader LBH&F • Cllr Gareth Roberts, LBR • Bob Baker, PLA • Dana Skelley, Engineer and Head of the Hammersmith Bridge Task Force (appointed by DfT) Key points • full restoration of road traffic crossing min 6 ½ years, subject to full project planning and funding • this breaks down into stages, each needing to be fully scoped and costed o 2 months to assess ferry project – possible opening Spring 2021 (but see below) o 4 months to complete engineering assessments of the bridge o 7 months for emergency stabilization of pedestals – temperature control etc – before possible reopening for pedestrians and cyclists (est £8mn) o 21 months for permanent stabilization work (est £32mn) o 30 months for essential strengthening (est £80mn) • funding challenge is complex – govt agrees to co-fund in principle but requires contributions from bridge owner (H&F) and TfL, but TfL has a total funding freeze until govt rescue plan agreed and H&F obviously very constrained • govt also requires detailed and fully costed project proposals from H&F – not yet received • H&F may consider a toll to support a funding programme • possible ferry crossing needs investment in new piers – LBR have agreed to fund their side, H&F not yet committed • ferry needs to be commercially viable, but this is not H&F responsibility (PLA?) • temporary bridge solution seen as probably not viable (cost/time/planning/opposition) either as road or for pedestrians/cyclists only • H&F have no plans to replace the bridge – restoration is seen as the only acceptable way forward • River open for emergency traffic only, subject to agreement with H&F, engineering risk assessment from day to day; Boat Race future unclear • Richmond and H&F (and TfL) working hard on mitigation strategies o Main problem in H&F is worse traffic congestion o Main problem for Barnes is lack of access for schoolkids, medical needs etc o TfL looking at bus routes in and around Barnes – but double-deckers have a problem at Barnes Bridge o LBR is looking at improved access to pedestrian crossing at Barnes Bridge, lighting on the towpaths etc o TfL have reviewed all traffic light sequences in the area All parties say they are committed to working on fastest possible solution but the time and cost estimates given above are just that. Onus is clearly on H&F and they were very much on the defensive during the meeting. |