Forum Topic

Hammersmith Bridge closed for 3 years ....

….at least, apparently. From the figures just said on the local news, it might be better to just build a new one …..but I really hope not, love that bridge.

Bunny Payne ● 2626d10 Comments

Build a new bridge and move the current one somewhere it can be used as a pedestrian bridge. It’s been a bottleneck for years. A new bridge could be a landmark in its own right

Freddie Francis ● 2626d

Absolutely agree Freddie.

Richard Phipps ● 2625d

I have been thinking the same thing; there are plenty of places that the bridge could be moved to, and then a nice-looking but functional new one could be built at the present crossing. It would be an expensive exercise, but a one-off cost

Sean Hodges ● 2625d

A new bridge is long overdue - the costs of frequent repairs must be taking its  toll (sorry!)

Lucille Grant ● 2624d

"Following detailed investigation by a team of world-leading specialist engineers, Transport for London and Hammersmith & Fulham Council have agreed the works needed to repair Hammersmith Bridge. The first stage of the work has now begun – and TfL has provided £25million to pay for it. TfL and H&F Council are continuing to explore the most appropriate funding for the next phase of construction, ahead of the planned award of a contract for the next stage of the works next spring. The work is expected to take approximately three years".Above is a recent posting on Next Door. So the repairs have begun? However the money to finish the job has yet to materialise.

Caroline Whitehead ● 2624d

They also say the estimated full cost of restoration is about £120mn so there’s still a huge funding gap. Not sure what the cost of a new bridge would be but most likely even higher. The focus is on getting the bridge reopened to traffic but I am guessing, being a bit gloomy today, that it will all take rather longer than three years to get to that point.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2624d

I agree that the bridge should be replaced.  But the 2 main problems with moving the old bridge would be:1) where would you move it to?  The bridge is purpose designed to be located in that exact spot.  i.e. width of the river, flow, tide height etc.  Bridges aren't easily moved.  And where is some available land that also has a pedestrian requirement to cross the river, which everyone could agree on.2) the cost!  It would be a LOT of money for a pedestrian crossing (i.e. relatively low benefit).

John Gorst ● 2624d

may be feasible to move it about 50 yards to the east

Adam Tripp ● 2624d

Although we can speculate about moving or demolishing the bridge H&F and TFL have always said that the present bridge will be repaired and, indeed, appear to be already starting the repairs.

Caroline Whitehead ● 2624d

You could Adam, but why would you move it there?  Pedestrians could use the new bridge.  So it would end up redundant, but still costing a lot to move and to maintain.  I guess it would look nice, but it would be a very expensive ornament.

John Gorst ● 2624d