For a temporary bridge for motorised vehicles while Hammersmith Bridge is repaired.

Statement

Following the sudden closure of Hammersmith Bridge in April 2019, we are petitioning Richmond Council to take action to pressure Hammersmith & Fulham Council, Transport for London (TfL), and the Government to prioritise its repair and re-opening, and while the works are carried out for a temporary motor bridge to be erected to include buses, motorised vehicles and emergency blue light vehicles.

Details

Five miles of the River Thames is currently uncrossable by motor vehicles. This is an unprecedented situation for such a densely populated part of London. The closure has brought misery to East Sheen, Mortlake, and Richmond with increased congestion, and has made Barnes less accessible. With the repair works estimated to take at least three years, a temporary solution is necessary to provide certainty of access crossing the river for buses and emergency blue light vehicles, and to ease congestion not only in Richmond, but across South West London. While we know that Hammersmith & Fulham Council own the bridge and is responsible for its repair, the need for repairs has been known for many years. We are residents of Richmond, and we are impacted more by the closure of the bridge than any other area. Public works often take longer than originally estimated, and we need mitigation and certainty of access. We therefore call on our own Council to take action, to defend the safety of residents and quality of life in Richmond Borough.

Started by: Seamus Joyce