Deputy Mayor Comes to Chiswick To See Bridge Closure Jams

Joins councillors and MP with TfL engineers to be briefed on traffic problems

Left to right, Cllr Joanna Biddolph, Tony Arbour AM, Deputy Mayor for Transport Heidi Alexander, Cllr Sam Hearn, Ruth Cadbury MP, Cllr John Todd, Cllr Patrick Barr

Heidi Alexander, London’s deputy mayor for transport, came to Chiswick this Wednesday (17 July) to see for herself the impact that the closure of Hammersmith Bridge is having on traffic conditions locally.

Her delegation, which also included Andy Wiseall, TfL principal traffic control engineer, were there to discuss improvements needed with Ruth Cadbury MP for Brentford & Isleworth and local councillors including Patrick Barr, Joanna Biddolph, Sam Hearn and John Todd. They received a pledge from TfL and the deputy mayor that improvements would be made.

The meeting was arranged by Tony Arbour, GLA member for the area and deputy chairman of the GLA.

Meeting first on the corner of Barrowgate Road and Sutton Court Road, Cllr Biddolph (Turnham Green ward and leader of the Conservative Group) described the extreme problems at this spot, with traffic queuing to join or cross the A4 backed up to Heathfield Terrace at Chiswick Town Hall with the inevitable knock-on effect of drivers seeking short cuts. She said this has turned Barrowgate Road, Wavendon Avenue and Dukes Avenue into traffic-jammed rat runs as drivers try to avoid stationary traffic along the entire length of Chiswick High Road. She expressed great concern that this change in driving behaviour would become a habit, affecting these quiet residential roads forever.

Cllr Todd highlighted the frustration of drivers on the A4 who, to escape the traffic queue, are now making illegal U-turns at the junction with Sutton Court Road. TfL acknowledged that little could be done about this but would, nevertheless, look at possible enforcement measures.

Increased traffic in Grove Park

The group then moved to Heathfield Terrace to see the effect on Wellesley Road and, consequently, on Brooks Road and Stile Hall Gardens then onto Chiswick High Road leading to Kew Bridge. They talked also of the effect on Chiswick Lane down to the Hogarth Roundabout.

Andy Wiseall explained the actions already taken to try to keep traffic moving in Chiswick including that mitigation is needed on several major routes and at complicated intersections such as Chalkers Corner. He explained that all traffic lights in Chiswick are under SCOOT control – Split Cycle and Offset Optimisation Technique – which allows every traffic light to be adjusted to local conditions. Vehicle detectors in the road (pictured) feedback data (such as stationery traffic) which is constantly monitored so that traffic lights can be changed to improve traffic flow. He said he would look at whether changes are responsive enough and if adjustments need to be made.

Explaining that TfL had made adjustments in Chiswick in the last two weeks but that more could be done, Andy Wiseall said, “We’re not leaving it. We are aware that traffic will reduce during school holidays and that we will need to look again at this when schools are back”.

Heidi Alexander said that TfL was committed to re-opening the bridge to vehicles and that it would not remain open only to pedestrians and cyclists. She explained that a report on what is needed to repair the bridge is due in August and that it is likely to take three years for repairs to be completed. She emphasised that any reports saying the bridge might close were not true.

Ruth Cadbury said, ‘‘It was great to meet Deputy Mayor for Transport Heidi Alexander to talk about the closure of Hammersmith Bridge for vehicular traffic. Residents and business owners have been telling me about the impact the ongoing closure of Hammersmith Bridge is having on them.

"Of course with structural failures in a 132 year old bridge, no one can expect the problem to be solved overnight. However as it’s inevitable that the bridge can’t reopen to motor vehicles for up to three years, I will continue to press TFL and Hammersmith Council about how they’re dealing with the traffic pressures currently caused.’’

Commenting on the meeting, Cllr Todd said, “This was a constructive exercise where councillors’ local knowledge materially contributed to the varied options available. TfL traffic engineers and Hounslow’s traffic department should continue to pursue solutions to minimise the impact in Chiswick of the closure of Hammersmith Bridge.”

Cllr Barr said, “The closure of Hammersmith Bridge is having a devastating effect on Chiswick with increased traffic congestion, bumper-to-bumper traffic and at times complete gridlock causing severe delays to journey times. Increased air pollution is also a major concern. I have had reports from residents who are experiencing exacerbations of their respiratory conditions which is very, very concerning. ”

Cllr Hearn added, “It was interesting to see the issues from the wider perspective but sad that TfL was not aware of the more serious traffic issues affecting local residents”.

Tony Arbour AM commented, “It was a useful meeting and I hope Heidi Alexander has listened to the concerns of local councillors and the residents they represent”.

The opportunity was taken to raise a number of other issues about transport in the Chiswick area including that of the proposed ULEZ not including the North Circular and the section of the A4 through Chiswick, the arrangements for Stile Hall Gardens and Wellesley Road, problems with bunching of the E3 bus service and getting more ‘No Idling’ signs next to busy junctions.

July 19, 2019