Forum Topic

Hammersmith Ferry in doubt...

...says the Evening Standard, quoting objections from Rowing Clubs and other recreational users.Hopes instead revolve around reopening the bridge to pedestrians and cyclists.https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/hammersmith-bridge-ferry-plans-delayed-b945473.html

Ken Munn ● 1931d15 Comments

That reminds me, I saw a largish boat passing under the bridge, heading west, on Sunday. Has that restriction been lifted?

Carl Wynne ● 1931d

No, but craft can pass by arrangement.Interesting to note the salvage vessels that were moored either side of the bridge have gone.I am not sure what they were there for but I was told their role was to recover any structure that may fall off. Gulp!

Adrian Irving ● 1931d

They must have been a cushy berth!

Carl Wynne ● 1931d

There is now a traffic light system on the bridge.  The notice to mariners giving details can be found here http://www.pla.co.uk/assets/u3of2021-barnelmsreach-hammersmithbridge-closedtonavigationexclusionzonecontrolledtransits.pdf

Christopher Shea ● 1931d

Could they actually make this process any more slower than it is?

Carl Wynne ● 1931d

Looking at the artist's impression of this crossing, the long pontoons might as well meet in the middle so people can walk all the way across, with a section that opens to allow river traffic to pass when required.

Peter Evans ● 1930d

anyone in any doubt that this capital city is run worse than a (can we still use this term!?) banana republic, look at this clusterF***.....thousands of people at TFL/The Government/ Local councils/ The Ministry of Transport / The construction Co's/ The architects/ The Bankers-- all getting paid ££ Millions does anyone have any incentive to deliver this and come up with a solution? No..thats why we'll still be in the same situation in  years time. #omnishambles

Tim Garfoot ● 1930d

Nice rant. I fear you've dated yourself - it stopped being called the Ministry of Transport in 1970. Anyway, knock the silly bridge down, build a concrete one and paint it green. Make the Bankers pay for it of course. And the Architects.

Rob Reynolds ● 1929d

Indeed - it is now known as the Ministry of Silly Walks. ;-)

Richard Greenhough ● 1929d

If the rowing and sailing fraternity prevent the ferry service going ahead then they should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.Back in the middle of the last century I rowed and sailed on the Hammersmith reaches and there is more than enough clear water to still sail and row when the ferry is operating.It is beyond selfish for them to hog the river for themselves.How is it that small minorities are able to get their way at the expense of the majority these days?

Adrian Irving ● 1929d

Get them banned from using their annoying megaphones in retaliation.

Rob Reynolds ● 1929d

Ferry no longer needed:https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/hammersmith-bridge-reopen-pedestrians-cyclists-this-weekend-b945965.html

Al Webber ● 1929d

Mr Cowan [LBH&F Leader] said: “Hammersmith Bridge is an ancient suspension structure and historic national landmark. It’s a major road artery and a unique part of this country’s engineering heritage. To secure its maintenance, and keep it open through until the next century, we believe it is vital that the motorists who use the bridge pays for its upkeep.”Does that last sentence mean that when the bridge is finally restored to road traffic, motorists using it will have to pay a toll (or somesuch)?

Richard Cathcart ● 1929d

Cowan [LBH&F Leader] said: “Hammersmith Bridge is an ancient suspension structure and historic national landmark. It’s a major road artery and a unique part of this country’s engineering heritage which we,the owners, have dismally failed to carry out any meaningful maintenance which would have prevented this hugely embarrassing, closure causing massive inconvenience to thousands of people, an astronomic repair bill, and demonstrated gross incompetence in finding a solution so I, Mr Cowan, feel I must tender my resignation. "That's what he should have said.

Adrian Irving ● 1928d

Steven Cowan initiated the investigations into the bridge when he came to power two terms ago. That was what uncovered the structural weakness. The under investment in maintenance was made under the previous Conservative administration one of whom is now a government minister.

Mark Evans ● 1927d