HAMMERSMITH and Fulham Council has told Transport for London (TfL) its dramatic decision to shut the A4 flyover is a 'disaster' for the borough.

TfL closed the busy stretch on December 23 after discovering structural defects and said the 50-year-old four-lane flyover will remain shut 'at least' until mid-January.

It had been carrying out temporary repairs on the road, which links Talgarth Road and Great West Road, but safety fears forced the drastic action.

That has left H&F Council leaders furious at what they perceive to be a lack of answers and alternatives from TfL.

Councillor Nick Botterill, deputy leader, said: “We want to get to the bottom of what is happening, as it is simply inconceivable that the main route into and out of London in the west remains closed and may not even reopen in time for the end of the holidays.

“We are in continuous contact with TfL’s most senior officials, as well as the engineers on the ground, and are demanding that we get real answers to our questions about what is happening, why the closure is necessary and when this problem will be solved. We have written to the Secretary of State for Transport and the Mayor of London about this, and Peter Hendy, commissioner of Transport for London, has already agreed to meet us early next week to explain what the problem is and how it will be resolved. We need action - and quickly.

“The closure is a disaster for local residents, motorists and the borough’s economy, and this council will do everything in its power to mitigate any further adverse impact a continued closure will have.”

Diversions are in place but traffic has already been heavy before workers return to the stretch in the new year.

Drivers are being warned to avoid the area with warning signs along the M4 and across London.

Leon Daniels, TfL’s managing director for surface transport, said: “Our team have been working around the clock alongside world leading structural engineers to ensure we carry out a detailed assessment of the structure as soon as possible.

“I will shortly be going into the flyover myself so I can see firsthand the unique issues we face and be briefed by our expert engineers. Safety must be our top priority and we have not taken the decision to close the flyover lightly.

“We will be continuing to work day and night to complete our assessment and to set out our next steps. In the meantime the flyover will remain closed until at least early in the new year and drivers are strongly advised to avoid the area if they can or allow more time for their journeys.

“I would like to apologise for the disruption, but please be assured we are doing all we can to reopen the flyover and to minimise the disruption the closure is causing.”