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| Hammersmith Bridge - closed since 2019 |
The cost of full repairs remains huge, and no money appears to be available to fund it.
Our local MP Andy Slaughter wrote the following update in his latest newsletter:
"Hammersmith Bridge remains one of the most important unresolved transport issues affecting west London, and an issue I am continuing to raise with government at all levels.
"Hammersmith Bridge remains one of the most important unresolved transport issues affecting west London, and an issue I am continuing to raise with government at all levels.
The Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce met last year and identified two issues that must be resolved if progress is to be made. The first is to reach agreement on the costings and method of repair.
The second is to provide up-to-date traffic data showing how the closure is affecting surrounding routes, including the A316 and Chiswick Bridge. Without clarity on both, it is difficult for Government and other partners to take decisions about funding and the way forward.
Although it has taken longer than I expected, I understand that the taskforce is due to reconvene in the very near future, although a firm date has not yet been confirmed. I have been writing regularly to the Department for Transport to keep the issue at the forefront of their work, and have received assurances that preparations for a further meeting are under way. I know that MPs from across west London continue to raise the bridge regularly with Ministers, reflecting the strength of local concern.
There remain important questions about how much funding might be available and what role central government will play. At this stage there is no clear indication of the direction Ministers will take, but it is essential that all options remain on the table. Residents’ associations across the affected area have consistently made the case that the bridge should be restored to its former tolerances, allowing it to function again as a full river crossing.
Recent public demonstrations at the bridge have underlined how strongly people feel about the issue, both those in favour of its reopening to motor traffic and those in favour of keeping it as a walking and cycling bridge only. I am often contacted by constituents on both sides of the argument.
The immediate priority now is for the taskforce to meet again and take a decision on the bridge's future. Once that happens, I hope we will have a much clearer picture of how local authorities, Transport for London and Government intend to proceed. I will continue to press for progress and to keep residents informed about the outcome of any meetings and what they mean for the future of the bridge.
I share everyone's frustration at the length of time this has taken, but the huge cost of the project means that there is no easy solution here. From time to time new schemes are put forward to solve the problem and in every case these have either been looked at and dismissed or are clearly fanciful. There are only two realistic options for restoring the bridge, if that is what is decided, and both are very expensive. In the meantime, credit should go to Hammersmith & Fulham Council, which despite its restricted funds has spent around £50 million on extensive repaires to stabilise the bridge to make sure it's safe and available to pedestrians and cyclists."
Although it has taken longer than I expected, I understand that the taskforce is due to reconvene in the very near future, although a firm date has not yet been confirmed. I have been writing regularly to the Department for Transport to keep the issue at the forefront of their work, and have received assurances that preparations for a further meeting are under way. I know that MPs from across west London continue to raise the bridge regularly with Ministers, reflecting the strength of local concern.
There remain important questions about how much funding might be available and what role central government will play. At this stage there is no clear indication of the direction Ministers will take, but it is essential that all options remain on the table. Residents’ associations across the affected area have consistently made the case that the bridge should be restored to its former tolerances, allowing it to function again as a full river crossing.
Recent public demonstrations at the bridge have underlined how strongly people feel about the issue, both those in favour of its reopening to motor traffic and those in favour of keeping it as a walking and cycling bridge only. I am often contacted by constituents on both sides of the argument.
The immediate priority now is for the taskforce to meet again and take a decision on the bridge's future. Once that happens, I hope we will have a much clearer picture of how local authorities, Transport for London and Government intend to proceed. I will continue to press for progress and to keep residents informed about the outcome of any meetings and what they mean for the future of the bridge.
I share everyone's frustration at the length of time this has taken, but the huge cost of the project means that there is no easy solution here. From time to time new schemes are put forward to solve the problem and in every case these have either been looked at and dismissed or are clearly fanciful. There are only two realistic options for restoring the bridge, if that is what is decided, and both are very expensive. In the meantime, credit should go to Hammersmith & Fulham Council, which despite its restricted funds has spent around £50 million on extensive repaires to stabilise the bridge to make sure it's safe and available to pedestrians and cyclists."
The Shepherd's Bush Blog offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush. If you would like to contribute a story about our neighbourhood, email us at shepherdsbushblog(at)gmail.com
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