Forum Topic

Alternative solution for Hammersmith Bridge

An alternative solution for Hammersmith Bridge would be to move the current bridge (which is modular and could easily be disassembled and re-assembled) say two hundred metres to near the Riverside studios and convert it to a pedestrian only bridge, perhaps with cafes bars food stalls etc. The main road bridge could then be replaced with a purpose built, fit for purpose 4 lane bridge, possibly manufactured off site and shipped up via the river and assembled with minimum local disruption. Seems to me to offer best of all possibilities - old bridge retained and repurposed within its physical limitations and in view. Added amenities for the public - esp those visiting town centre or Wetlands. Proper vehicular bridge which would not cause bottlenecks and be suitable for the level of traffic it would be subjected to. And a lot cheaper and as fast if not faster than the double decker suggestion.

Stevan Whitehead ● 2045d7 Comments

One of the problems with the existing bridge is that at high tide most riverboats cannot get underneath it. Any re-siting or replacement bridge should aim to have a higher river clearance.

Richard Greenhough ● 2045d

So turn the old bridge parallel with the river and access it off of a new bridge. Display it as the antique that it is but repurpose it as Stevan proposes. It would become an entertainment pier of sorts.

David Lesniak ● 2045d

I'd go one further.Dismantle the current bridge.Build a high, wide & handsome modern bridge at the same crossing point.Use parts of the dismantled bridge as cosmetic adornments on the new bridge.

Will Watson ● 2045d

Before getting out the pencils and the set-squares,or firing up Bridge Designer III, or whatever it is  ( hopefully for both PC's and Macs ), your first task, should you decide to proceed, is to work out who is going to pay for this bridge, and how they can be made to pay, if they refuse, or simply don't have the money.Once you've sorted out that little problem, the rest I'd imagine, will be a relative piece of cake.michael adams...

Michael Adams ● 2045d

'which is modular and could easily be disassembled and re-assembled'Ho-ho-ho.

Ken Munn ● 2045d

At least with an entertainment pier the council could charge rents and rates to offset the cost.

David Lesniak ● 2045d

If there is to be a new bridge then a Thames Cutter dock should and could be incorporated that works regardless of the state of tide.The architects practice next to the bridge displayed just such a design in their window a while back.Clever stuff.

Adrian Irving ● 2045d