Anger Over Reports That Cycleway 9 Work Starting Before Christmas

Fear work near Kew Bridge will add to traffic chaos during Hammersmith Bridge closure

CGI of new layout near Kew Bridge

Chiswick’s Conservative councillors have slammed a report that TfL could start work on Cycleway 9 before the end of this year at Kew Bridge junction, which is already more congested with over 2,000 additional vehicles a day, because of the closure of Hammersmith Bridge.

They are demanding that work be stopped until Hammersmith
Bridge has re-opened to traffic, because of the impact the work will have on main and residential roads in Chiswick and Brentford.

Leader of Hounslow Council, cllr Steve Curran has accused them of "shameless electioneering." (see statement below)

This stretch includes Chiswick High Road between Chiswick roundabout and Kew Bridge, the South Circular/A205, which is part of the TfL road network.

“It is hard to think of a more absurd decision than this. It’s winter and the wet, cold weather will undoubtedly slow down progress. Residents in Chiswick, and Brentford, can be sure they will see the route and Kew Bridge severely restricted, therefore even more congested and polluting, but with no one working because of winter weather conditions. The disruption will be pointless," the councillor said in a statement.

They first read of this in Brentford Labour Councillor Guy Lambert's, blog on our Brentford site and have heard nothing from TfL.

“His dismissive tone and the words he used to describe the impact ‘no doubt there will be periods of pain whilst the works progress’ demonstrate his lack of concern for residents, workers and the many shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants and businesses along this stretch – and beyond,” said leader of the nine Conservative councillors, Jo Biddolph.

Cllr Patrick Barr said, “It is absolute madness that work is due to commence, perhaps before the end of the year, on the Cycle Superhighway’s Kew Bridge section, while Hammersmith Bridge remains closed. This will have a severe knock-on effect and subsequent impact on the already present traffic chaos in and around Chiswick.

"On that note, we still await an update on traffic mitigation for Chiswick following a visit by Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, and TfL traffic planners earlier this year to witness the traffic chaos in Chiswick as a result of the closure of Hammersmith Bridge, and discuss traffic mitigation for Chiswick.

"We were promised this would be looked into in September 2019, when the school year started, for an accurate picture of the problem and steps to solutions. I have still to receive an update, despite having chased Transport for London."

Councillor Sam Hearn said, “ TfL's decision to proceed immediately with these high-impact and time consuming road works beggars belief. TfL management appears to be living in some kind of parallel universe that is not inhabited by real people. There can be no justification for starting this work whilst the closure of Hammersmith Bridge is still causing such serious traffic problems throughout the Chiswick area."

We have asked TfL for comment and will report back.

The stretch includes Chiswick High Road between Chiswick roundabout and Kew Bridge, the South Circular/A205, which is part of the TfL road network. There will be consequences for the western section of Chiswick High Road/A315, Ellesmere Road/Great West Road/A4; the North Circular/A406, Strand on the Green, Brentford High Street/A315 and for accessing and leaving the M4 in both directions, as well nearby roads including in Surrey Crescent, Stile Hall Gardens, Wellesley Road, Strand on the Green, on the junction and beyond on Brentford High Street near Kew Bridge.

Leader of the Labour group on Hounslow Council Steve Curran has hit back, accusing the Conservatives of 'shameless electioneering'.

"Cllr Joanna Biddolph, Leader of the minority Conservative Group in Hounslow, is using the council’s approval of Cycleway 9 as a cynical attempt to divert attention from the Tory party candidate for Brentford and Isleworth, Seena Shah’s position on Brexit.

"Cllr Biddolph is now using the temporary closure of Hammersmith Bridge as an excuse to try to stop Cycleway 9.

"I would have hoped, Cllr Biddolph and her colleagues would be more worried about air quality and pollution. The Labour Group and the Council have already signed up to the Climate Emergency and we are committed to do everything we possibly can to improve air quality in the Borough, especially for young people and children. It’s a shame Cllr Biddolph doesn’t appear to share that view, she is more concerned about traffic congestion in Chiswick High Road."

November 19, 2019