WEEKEND and evening road closures are expected for 18 months as engineers undertake important work to strengthen the crumbling Hammersmith Flyover.
Transport for London has instructed contractor Costain to continue the final phase of work on the bridge from October 28 which is expected to last until April 2015.
The six-lane flyover, built in the 1960s, was closed for several weeks in December 2011 after investigations found that steel cables which hold it in place needed to be replaced.
The essential work includes repairing the concrete, upgrading the drainage system and making the structure water-tight.
Dana Skelley, TfL director of roads, said: "We are committed to keeping disruption to our customers, residents and businesses to a minimum throughout the works. We will keep the local community and road users informed of progress and any restrictions ahead of the works to help you plan your journey.
"We also aim to keep noise to a minimum. Where essential noisy work has to be carried out, this will be done during the day time. To further reduce disturbance, our contractors will be using noise reducing barriers during the works."
Lanes will be closed to all traffic overnight for the remainder of the year between 10.30pm and 5am. Some lanes will be temporary closed between January and June next year to allow for the central reservation and drainage system to be upgraded.
Weekend lane closures in one direction are planned during the summer holidays between June and September to minimise disruption. During this time, concrete repairs will take place, waterproofing will be replaced and the flyover road resurfaced.
Night time closures are required between September and December 2014 to strengthen the walls and replace expansion joints, while final finishing works will take place between January and April 2015.
People can find out more about the refurbishments at St Paul’s Church, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, on Friday, October 4 from 10am to 8pm and Saturday, October 5 from 10am to 4pm.
For regular updates, visit www.tfl.gov.uk/hammersmithflyover .
* Meanwhile, a group of volunteer architects, known as West London Link, have launched a feasibility study into whether a ‘flyunder’ tunnel could be a suitable alternative to Hammersmith Flyover.
They have drawn up plans, backed by Hammersmith and Fulham Council and business consortium HammersmithLondon, to take the road underground to improve traffic flow, reduce pollution and reconnect Hammersmith and Chiswick to the river.
View the plans and give your feedback at the Hammersmith Flyunder Summit at Hammersmith Town Hall on Wednesday, October 9 from 6.30pm.
