The Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce has commissioned a full feasibility study into a temporary bridge following the full closure of the bridge in August 2020 after urgent safety concerns.
During the eleventh meeting of the taskforce on 14 January, it was confirmed that the practically of temporary bridge proposals, developed by architectural firm Foster & Partners and consulting group COWI’s, will be looked into.
The taskforce also heard from Transport for London (TfL) regarding the procurement for a temporary ferry service expected to commence in the spring.
Additionally, the taskforce said river users have been able to schedule and undertake controlled transits under the bridge on Sundays, when engineers are not working on the bridge.
The taskforce concluded that the bridge would remain closed until blast cleaning work is completed by April. These works will allow identification of any hidden fractures on the pedestals.
The Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce was set up by the UK Department for Transport in September 2020 to work toward safely reopening the Hammersmith Bridge.
The taskforce is chaired by Baroness Vere and includes representatives from TfL, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Network Rail, the Greater London Authority and the Port of London Authority.
