Forum Topic

Proposed footbridge under Barnes Railway bridge

I walked over to Barnes this morning and noticed marker flags on the downstream side leading  down to the river.Then  on  the upstream side I saw a group of hard hat people erecting what looked like a lightweight drilling tripod along with what could have been a generator mounted on a chunky tracked vehicle.Has this got the green light then?

Adrian Irving ● 2546d8 Comments

Looks Like it

Bernard Allen ● 2545d

Yes Bernard, as per the front page.I am just hoping all those number 11 boots stomping about don't squish any rare and endangered snails🐌!I will be on the phone to Friends of the Earthworm and Snail later this afternoon to alert them.

Adrian Irving ● 2545d

I don't think there will be any snails, they are too busy breeding on my allotment down the road.

Bob Guyett ● 2545d

Bob, these aren't your common a garden snails these are your Rees Mogg of snails and just can't be disturbed. Well worth the extra squilions it is costing to accommodate them.

Adrian Irving ● 2545d

I wasn't being serious with that comment. I'm fully aware of the need to save these endangered creatures, not just snails, but possibly many more in that previously undisturbed environment. Checks on species are, or should be, conducted prior to any construction.On another topic, I'm glad they are checking for munitions, there are many more items including UXBs in the Thames than many would imagine. I once had to arrange a survey for LUL (in those days) and I was staggered at the amount located and how close some were to existing tube lines under the Thames.

Bob Guyett ● 2544d

Further ground works have now commenced on this project and according to site personnel the walkway will be completed early Spring 2022.

Adrian Irving ● 1910d

I understand that they will be working on the river to install the bridge in the first few months of 2022.  I've just provided them with a 2022 tide table for Barnes Bridge to enable them to plan their operations.(2022 tide tables for other locations will be published at thamestides.org.uk later this month.)

Richard Jennings ● 1908d

That's interesting Richard. "Tide and time", as they say.Reminds of the time I was on a film set by the river in Richmond when the director miscalculated the time of high tide and the camera man who couldn't leave his mark got his feet rather wet!I believe the stainless steel components are coming up by barge which leads me to speculate they are manufactured overseas and imported via Tilbury Docks.

Adrian Irving ● 1907d