A plan to insert a temporary double-decker bridge inside the closed Hammersmith Bridge is likely to go ahead after the local council approved funding for the scheme.
If approved, it would see a temporary double-decker crossing placed within the existing structure of Grade II*-listed Hammersmith Bridge and supported by the bridge’s foundations.
This would enable the bridge to reopen to motorists.
(c) Foster + Partners
Once the temporary structure is inserted, then elements of the bridge that need repair, including the decking, would be lifted away using the temporary bridge as a works platform and transported by barges to an off-site facility for safer and easier repair and restoration.
The decision to progress to planning permission is among a £5 million package of measures agreed by Hammersmith & Fulham’s council. Planning will require consultation with key stakeholders including Historic England, the Environment Agency, Port of London Authority, Richmond Council and the Marine Management Organisation.
The proposal from architect and engineering firm Foster + Partners and bridge engineers COWI has emerged as Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s preferred option for the full repair of the bridge and its re-opening to motor vehicles.
The plans for a temporary double-decker bridge were first shown off by Foster + Partners back in November 2020.
Stabilisation works on the bridge are now due to be finished by the end of February, following a delay in acquiring steel from Ukraine due to the war. However, the delay has had no impact on the programme for the full restoration as works continue to run in tandem.
In a separate procurement strategy report, the council sets out its objective to appoint a private sector contractor to design, renovate, finance and maintain the bridge. The aim is that the construction costs and the ongoing operation and maintenance of the bridge would be funded by a toll or road user charge once it is permanently opened to motorists again.
The one thing I can’t find in any of the consultation documentation or docs that have otherwise been submitter is how far back the ramps up to the upper level need to be to allow pedestrians and cyclists to enter the lower level before the bridge proper starts.
I wonder how temporary it will end up in the long run…
Talking of delays you’d have to look no further than the stork legged temporary flyover at the Hogarth roundabout which was built in the 60s and remains firmly in place for the foreseeable future. In view of the beauty of this bridge you’d have to hope that funds don’t dry up once the structure is installed
Foster in advancing age at least doesn’t have to prove how new he is anymore to get a bit of gainful, so that should somewhat allay a fear or two.
Specific memories of Reagan’s maxim that there’s nothing so permanent as a temporary legal measure.
You mean temporary just like the temporary flyover on the Hogarth roundabout in Chiswick
Building a New Bridge near by make more sense then dream about the enevitable. We arguing about a structure too old to sustain the current traffic demands. I believe lots of investments would love to contribute in return of their names been advertised in the near future.
The local Authority keeps neglecting the vision of the future of the River Thames. The needs of investments of a New’ Bridge might help develop the river areas around bringing more business too support future generations. The beauty and History of the Bridge are not been ignored however with Council and everyone questioning costs the solution must be a profitable investment.
Hammersmith and city council is one of the greediest Council in England, they put cameras everywhere and start earning millions, example is imperial road and hazelbury Road, there are many others as well btw, i got tickets many times i always pay, but never take revenge like littering or vandalism of council property, or leaving bin bags on the road, that is very bad, as a good citizen i should support the council.
Have you tried not speeding?
Best to leave the car at home,The closure of Hammersmith bridge has been wonderful for this side of the river
What about buses and delivery lorries?
With this plan I am almost certain buses will go over the bridge! Hopefully at least! Motorists could mean anything but I’m hoping Buses will go over!
A situation created by LBHF’s incompetence. The bridge should have been maintained properly in the first place. Instead, financial short cuts prompted the bridge’s failure and the diversion of all bridge traffic to Wandsworth Bridge which has deteriorated badly as a result (for which Wandsworth pays). LBHF remains one of the worst run boroughs in London.