Contractors put up barriers on the pavement which reduced space for the public

Transport for London (TfL) has said it is addressing the complaints from local people about work on Chiswick Bridge which has affected access to pavements on both sides of the bridge.

The company admitted there had been a number of complaints that the barriers erected on both pavements had created difficulties for the public as it has reduced the amount of the room for people to pass by the bridge safely. In one incident an elderly man on a mobility scooter, who could not negotiate his way along the footpath, drove onto the busy A316 with traffic coming against him. One witness said there could have been an accident.

There have also been complaints that people pushing buggies are also finding it difficult. A TfL spokesman apologised for the difficulties and said they had instructed the contractors to sort out the situation. The contractors have now removed the street lights from the pavement, creating some extra space.

The project involves general works in advance of the main bridge-strengthening works which are expected to start later this year. TfL said this pre-work would be finished with the barriers dismantled in time for the boat race.

Some people have asked why the contractors cannot work on one side of the bridge at a time so that the public could use the other side free of barriers. We have asked TfL to respond to the query.

Nick Fairholme, Director of Projects and Programmes at TfL 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. 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”.

March 12, 2014