Exploratory works designed to prepare Chiswick Bridge for a major restoration are limiting the space available for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility scooters.
Locals are frustrated at the restrictions to both sides of the footpath on the bridge which carries the A316 across the Thames from Chiswick to Mortlake. Their mood is unlikely to improve with the news the preliminary works are set to last until the day of the Boat Race - April 6 when it is a popular place to view the action from.
Nick Fairholme, director of projects and programmes at TfL explained why the restrictions, which began this weekend, were necessary. He said: “In preparation for the restoration works on the Grade II listed Chiswick Bridge that will begin later this year, our contractors commenced some preliminary works this weekend that will continue until the Boat Race.”
But local people have expressed concern that there is only a small section of pavement open to pedestrians on either side of the bridge. This makes the crossing a challenge for buggy-pushers and mobility scooters because lamp-posts mark the narrow route.
Helen Marshall, 44, said: “On Saturday, I cycled across the bridge with my six-year-old daughter and felt as though I was dicing with death. There was only a third of the space that you would normally have, but you also had to cycle around the lamp-posts. For cyclists and pedestrians, it’s a real hazard. They should look into traffic calming.”
Mr Fairholme added: “We are aware of some issues that arose and are working with our contractors to resolve these urgently to ensure safe access for all footway users. We apologise for any disruption caused to our customers.”
It was revealed last year that the bridge, which carries more than 40,000 vehicles a day, would need a major renovation to repair cracks and erosion. It was opened on July 3 1933 by Edward Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) and at the time was the longest concrete span over the Thames at 150 foot.
TfL is investing £200 million in bridge repairs between now and 2016.
