| Topic: | Re:Upper Richmond Rd one way diversions | |
| Posted by: | Richard Tracey AM | |
| Date/Time: | 23/09/09 18:40:00 |
Here is the latest message I have received (6pm, Wednesday 23/9)from TfL Surface Transport managers:- "We met with Southern Gas (SGN) yesterday to discuss these works, and tentatively, a new commencement date has been scheduled for 5th October for this phase of the gas mains replacement between East Putney Station and Putney High Street. I mentioned in my email on Monday that SGN have informed us that they will need to replace their mains along the rest of the length of Upper Richmond Road from West Hill to Dryburgh Road, with the sections from Dryburgh Road to Putney Hill and from East Putney Station to West Hill forming later phases of this work. TfL has asked SGN to provide further information about these later phases (including their estimate of the duration of each phase). All of these works will, unfortunately, cause disruption, and looking forward, the timetable for phases 2 & 3 for the works on Upper Richmond Road will be considered in the context of other works. It is not currently planned by SGN that the other two phases on Upper Richmond Road should follow on directly after the current phase. We have asked SGN to inform us of the priority of their works, an estimate of the duration of each, and proposed start dates. They have indicated that there is some flexibility in the relative programming of these works and TfL will obviously consider how the works can be timed to have the least impact to local residents and road users. What is important to bear in mind however is that based on information currently available, it is unlikely that any of the works can take place simultaneously, as the impact would simply be too great. In respect of phase 1 of the works on Upper Richmond Road (East Putney Station to Putney Hill), I mentioned that a provisional start date has been set for 5th October, but this is dependent on Network Rail’s investigation into the structural integrity of the Rocks Lane bridge. Agreement for SGN to start their work will be subject to Network Rail confirming that they will be able to maintain two way traffic flow on Rocks Lane while any required remedial works are being carried out; and we hope to have this clarified by the coming weekend. In addition, we are mindful of the need for SGN to keep local stakeholders fully informed, and they have agreed to write to all of the residents they wrote to previously advising them of the postponement of the works. The Variable Message Signs that are located on the street have also been changed in the meantime advising of the changes. Once the new start date has been agreed, we will then work with SGN to write to all affected residents again informing them of this, including those that may have been omitted in the first round of correspondence. If we agree that SGN can go ahead on 5th October, they will allocate additional resources to the job to ensure as far as possible that the works are completed by 4 December. This will reduce the works duration and minimise disruption. We are also aware that there cannot be major works affecting access to Putney High Street, for example, in the run up to Christmas. Once phase 1 of the gas main replacement has been completed on Upper Richmond Road, we will then resurface this section, and provided that this work is completed as outlined above, the resurfacing will take place in January over about 10 nights. We will provide you with the further information on the future works as soon as it is provided by SGN." |