Forum Topic

Bridge replacement

I thought I'd start a new thread on Hammersmith Bridge.Could someone say what happens elsewhere in the country or in other countries when a major road crossing needs to be replaced? How is it funded?The most recent replacement in Europe that comes to mind is in Genoa after that bridge collapsed.I am appalled that we should even be considering asking the Defence department to help.I love Hammersmith Bridge but it needs to be replaced and urgently and in my view funded by central governmentOf course they could always put that feasibility study on hold for the proposed bridge linking N. Ireland and Scotland. That would fund Hammersmith Bridge replacement surely?

Katrina Black ● 2052d9 Comments

Bound to be something that Bozo has set in place for us. Only a fool would propose an alternative system where we are worse off so immediately.

Freddie Francis ● 2052d

The EU has an regional infrastructure schemeNow that we have left the EU and we are all richer, I assume there is an equivalent UK scheme set up by the government?"Major projects are large-scale investments with a value of more than EUR 50 million each, supported by the EU’s cohesion policy funding. The projects directly benefit Member States and their citizens, by creating better infrastructure, a healthier environment, new jobs and new business opportunities."https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/projects/major/

Ed Robinson ● 2052d

We would probably need a toll just to look at the bridge too, for it to pay back in 3 years.

Ed Robinson ● 2052d

could we have a troll underneath the bridge to collect the toll?

Matt Palmer ● 2052d

In case you're confused, I'm not talking about tolls for pedestrians in case that's what got you all upset.

Freddie Francis ● 2052d

Isn't nice? Tough. What do you think Happens at the QE Bridge at Dartfiord with school kids??Parents should pay. Better than no bridge don't you think? Besides, what better way to get the very people who benefit from the bridge to bear the cost instead of millions who may never use it?

Freddie Francis ● 2052d

A toll isn't nice to expect children to have to pay to go to school.

Barbara Stevens ● 2052d

Not if I win it first - although I may have to buy a ticket to have a chance :)I think 20,000 vehicles a year at £3 per cross comes out below 22M per year. Perhaps we will have to charge pedestrians, cyclists and even boats to go under.What we don't want is for the £120m spent on repair only for it to be broken again next year.It will be interesting to see the cost analyst of the repair vs replacement.I completely agree on the current bridge being relocated - it would make a nice crossing at Bishops Park.If the railway bridges were not listed an extra platform could be put on the non pedestrian side for cyclists with ramps along the embankments. But I guess it is more important to preserve the historical view of such bridges.

Ed Robinson ● 2052d

Maths is not my best subject so bear with me, I wont be offended should anyone point out a fundamental flaw in my calculations.Here's a plan.Hammersmith Bridge is estimated to cost £120m to repair according to a BBC news report from last September. The Euromillions jackpot on Friday is £126. Should I win it I could offer to pay the repair costs and live of the remaining £6m quite happily, were I completely altruistic. However, I would want in return a toll of £3 per vehicle. This would mean after 6 years I would be in profit by around £11m (under 10% interest on what is effectively a loan sounds pretty reasonable to me). I would also insist that after the repayment period the toll should remain in place for a further 6 years to build a trust fund to maintain the bridge in perpetuity. At the end of this period the bridge would be free once more.My preferred option however, should they agree to this funding, would be that the bridge be replaced with a new fit-for-purpose bridge. Might even be cheaper than repairs and the traffic flow would be highly improved. The money saved but the useless councils could pay for the bridge to be re-erected somewhere else as a tourist attraction and footbridge.I acknowledge that the somewhat significant stumbling block of  choosing the correct numbers. Fingers crossed.

Freddie Francis ● 2052d