PLANS to close Putney Bridge for six months to carry out major repairs have been branded a disaster by Hammersmith and Fulham Council.
Neighbouring Wandsworth Council has announced it is consulting on the proposals for £1.5million of repairs, for which the bridge would have to close to traffic in both directions.
The alternative, which would allow a single lane of traffic to cross the bridge while the work is carried out, would mean 11 months of disruption and would cost Wandsworth’s taxpayers an extra £350,000.
Councillor Nicholas Botterill, leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council, said: “We have been working hard over the past few years doing all we can to improve transport in Hammersmith and Fulham and cut congestion on our roads through our Get Hammersmith and Fulham Moving campaign.
“The main routes into and out of our borough are incredibly busy with huge volumes of traffic, notably the road connecting Fulham with Putney, and if the bridge were to shut completely for six months, that would be a disaster.
“It would cause a terrible knock-on effect for the rest of the borough, both on our roads and on our already jammed Tube trains.
“While we understand this work must be done, we want to see it happen over 11 months, which would cause less disruption for our borough, residents and people who work in the borough.”
Transport spokesman for Wandsworth, Councillor Russell King, said: “Unfortunately there is no way around this problem. The repairs will need to be carried out at some stage. Our main focus will be to ensure that they can be completed as quickly as possible and cause the least amount of disruption.
“We think that keeping the disruption down to the shortest time possible will be preferable to local businesses and the travelling public. That is why we are inclined towards a six-month timetable rather than one that would take almost twice as long. The consultation will allow us to assess whether this is the case.”
A recent independent study showed that the Grade II Listed bridge needs repairs because the bridge’s waterproof membrane, which protects the internal structure from water penetration, and its road surface, are both nearing the end of their service life.
Wandsworth Council is asking its residents, businesses and local organisations what they think of the proposals, but is also taking on board views of people living and working in neighbouring boroughs.
Residents and businesses who want to express a view can email dtshighwayservices@wandsworth.gov.uk or write to Operational Services, Frogmore House, Dormay Street, London SW18 1HA and mark the letter Putney Bridge consultation.
