Network Rail to Review Design of Brooks Lane Footbridge
Pausing replacement following demands to make it step free
Footbridge to Brooks Lane. Picture: Martin Addison
October 28, 2023
Network Rail has confirmed to Hounslow Council that it is not proceeding with the planned replacement of the Brooks Lane footbridge and will be reviewing the design.
It had submitted proposals for an upgrade of the structure over the railway line close to Strand on the Green School which were not step free.
This resulted in objections from residents who said the need for replacement was an opportunity to make the bridge fully accessible. Local resident Andrew Ross drew up a design showing that a step free crossing could be built if land owned by Hounslow Council and the freeholder of the Chiswick Village estate was used.
An application (PALL/2023/2425) for prior approval was refused by the council on 18 September which meant that Network Rail would have been required to submit a full planning application.
When we asked Network Rail at the time why it was not considering making the crossing accessible it said that the funding was not in place.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council and Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, confirmed Network Rail’s decision this Friday (27 October) adding, “Given the current condition of the bridge, Network Rail have stated they may need to undertake interim measures that will ensure the bridge can remain open whilst alternative design options for the bridge are considered.
“We await further confirmation and details on this from Network Rail but look forward to working collaboratively.
“We will continue to work with the local community on the design of a fully accessible bridge and will continue to provide updates as and when we receive them.
“As a Council we are committed to helping make travel around the borough accessible for all and will continue to work towards ensuring we, along with our partners are doing everything we can to meet the needs of the local people.”
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