Year of chaos avoided as bridge work plans changed

The prospect of a year of traffic chaos has receded after a local area meeting chaired by Ealing Council agreed to a proposal for night-time closures of Acton Lane to allow essential repair work on Acton Lane Bridge (by Chiswick Park Station). The work is to commence as soon as possible.

Originally the plan had been to close Acton Lane from 2pm each week day for a period of over a year.

London Underground's partner, Metronet, had advised the council that the bridge, which carries the District and Piccadilly lines, is in need of an extensive period of repair.

Ealing Council has been in discussions with Metronet, Hounslow Council and London Buses to establish workable options for carrying out the proposed works and what implications this may have for local residents.

A meeting, chaired by Ealing's Cabinet member for Transport and Planning Councillor Ray Wall, was held on Thursday 20th January to inform local representatives and ward Councillors of the options that are available and to seek their feedback. Representatives from the Acton Green Residents' Association and Chiswick Protection Group attended the meeting.

A proposal for night-time closures of Acton Lane for six nights a week for a period of 62 weeks was agreed. Acton Lane will only be closed to traffic during the hours of the works. Those hours are: every evening/morning from 8.30pm – 6.30am except Friday/Saturday when no work will take place.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of constructing a platform under the bridge as an alternative method for carrying out the works. This is the preferred option as it would minimise the need for road closures and traffic diversion. An independent review into the feasibility of this proposal will now be conducted.

Councillor Wall said: "I am very aware of local concerns about the impact of these proposed works. The council has been seeking options that balance these concerns through minimising nuisance from traffic displacement and noise pollution with the need to facilitate these essential works. We are keen for residents to continue to provide input and feedback on the works and a working group has been set up to allow for this to happen.”

The council will convene a meeting of this working group – consisting of Hounslow Council, Metronet, local representatives, ward Councillors and local emergency services – to discuss traffic management issues around the night-time closures of Acton Lane.

Local Councillor Gary Malcolm said after the meeting, “I am also concerned that neighbours living very close will have excessive noise from the grinding machinery. After I asked the rail company, Metronet, said that they were going to install a baffle and would even consider glazing windows if needed.”

January 26, 2005