Forum Topic

Chiswick Station Footbridge

Works on the above have been somewhat sporadic since it closed 5 weeks ago.  The original info said it was due to re-open 15th September but I hear (unofficial) rumours that re-opening is likely to be November.  NetworkRail have been unhelpful with  their replies - has anyone managed to get a more definitive timeline from Network Rail?

Ruth Parfitt ● 36d21 Comments

However, the reality is that Network Rail has no obligation to make the footbridge fully accessible in this circumstance. It must take reasonable steps according to the law but it would only be required to do it was being funded through the Access For All scheme.

Francis Rowe ● 19d

Sounds daft enough to be true.

Bruce Hammal ● 20d

I heard a rumour that if  the bridge was replaced with a new one a mandate says a lift on each platform has to be provided. Do the maths people .

Phillip Tait ● 20d

This Bridge Why can't they just get one built, ship it over flat pack style and piece it together. Rather like they do on the continent.Does the bridge have some sort of heritage status or something?Only in Blighty eh .

Dave Dodds ● 20d

As none of use are experts on this matter, perhaps we shouldn't be too quick to blame the engineers working on this project. It is likely that surface erosion could exist without the integrity of a structure being undermined. As for rebuild vs repair, one thing I know is that in large organisations, there isn't necessarily a smooth transition between capital and revenue budgets so an engineering decision might have been driven by accountants.

Francis Rowe ● 22d

He or she probably got promoted Bruce 😉

Janice Evans ● 23d

There was also a lot of strengthening work going on on Barnes Railway Bridge so it can take heavier freight trains at the same time/about the same time causing that footbridge to have to be closed too.  I love the way they hang a straw bale under river bridges.  A lot of coordination of different companies involved.  It's good for Network Rail to be reminded of the importance of footbridges and the need for better accessibility for people this century.

Philippa Bond ● 23d

Continued....The point being that the old bridge could have been left in situ while the replacement was constructed. Then, over a comparatively short time (possibly scheduled to coincide with one of the many line closures for maintenance) the exchange could take place. This would probably take days rather than weeks and certainly not months to carry out. It ain't rocket science but it does seem to be beyond the capabilities of Network Rail. One hopes that whoever assessed this project in the first place is now looking for another job.

Bruce Hammal ● 23d

Well that's just great!I - who know next to nothing about this stuff - was able to detect with my own eyes that the bridge was in deplorable condition and the best solution would surely be to take out the old span and crane in a new one which could be constructed off site.If only Network Rail had thought of this!They nearly got there but for some reason instead of constructing a new span they are going to waste more time and money trying to renovate the old one.Watch this space.

Bruce Hammal ● 24d

I received a response today from Network Rail:"Just to keep you updated, and I’m so sorry for the previous wrong dates given to you, this was as you had thought, for a different bridge re-opening.We are writing to provide you with an update on the refurbishment of Chiswick Footbridge.During the works, we identified that the condition of the bridge is worse than originally anticipated. This means additional steel repair works are required. As a result, the project will need more time and further access to the railway to ensure the footbridge is safe and fit for passengers.We now anticipate completion by February 2026. The principal reason for this further delay is the need to secure access during periods when no trains are running. This requires us to balance the demands of refurbishment with the need to minimise travel disruption through this section of the network.They have listened to local resident’s concerns about prolonged periods of night-time working and the disturbance this causes.We will now be lifting the bridge span out of the station via a crane, to be carried away and worked on off site and away from the station. That means the amount of work and disruption happening on site will be reduced. Thank you again for your patience while we complete these works, and I hope this information has been helpful. I will now close this case with our helpline and thank you again for contacting us and raising your concerns."

Ruth Parfitt ● 24d

You are clearly right to be concerned. The one bright spot is that there is no ambiguity about the ownership of the bridge so Network Rail can't dodge responsibility.At this stage I am inclined to be hopeful and believe the way this played out is that a diversion of resources to Brooks Lane and more serious issues than originally anticipated meant that the short window of opportunity to work on the bridge when there are line closures was missed. There aren't many between now and February which means that the reality is that just a few days work may be involved.

Francis Rowe ● 24d

Of course the nightmare scenario is that February comes and goes and they realise the thing can't be successfully repaired so a replacement bridge will have to be ordered and constructed after all. Then there's nightmare #2 which is that nobody will agree to pay for it and it is decided that there's no real need for a bridge after all since people have managed without it for six months!

Bruce Hammal ● 28d

Any corrosion weakens a structure, it could be worse beneath the bridge.

Janice Evans ● 28d

I'm not a structural engineer Francis, but the corrosion looked pretty deep to me and was apparent on the entire structure. If damage like this is indeed repairable to a standard that will last for decades to come I would be astonished if it were a cheaper option than a straight like-for like replacement given the time and labour involved.  Possibly there are aspirations to one day upgrade to a step-free crossing but I doubt I'll live to see it! A bit like the crumbling Town Hall windows.....

Bruce Hammal ● 28d

Really interesting pictures thanks for sharing and noticing the issue. Could it be that this indicates superficial erosion and the structure remains sound?

Francis Rowe ● 28d

I have no idea how anyone ever thought this was worth repairing. II 

Bruce Hammal ● 30d

This doesn't surprise me one bit. I enquired about the dreadful state of the bridge to Network Rail some months back. The general deep corrosion and spalling of the metal indicated to me that the bridge had come to the end of its useful life. I was therefore surprised that significant works were then carried out to replace some of the handrails and step treads and scaffolding was erected to support the steps on the Co-op side. I would have thought the quickest option would have been to pre-fabricate a new bridge structure, remove the old one and crane in its replacement. This has the whiff of a mini HS2 about it! Six months (and no doubt counting) to replace a small foot bridge is pathetic.

Bruce Hammal ● 30d

It would appear I am being extremely complacent. The front page report now says it will be closed until February.

Diane Brown ● 30d

WE'll be lucky if it's ready for Christmas. New rule of life is that all publicly-funded projects take longer and cost a lot more than original plans ...

Davey Harris ● 31d

Thanks - fingers crossed!

Ruth Parfitt ● 35d

Cllr Gabriella Giles gives a date of 26 September in her update in the newsletter for the Chiswick footbridge reopening. My guess would be that workers were redirected to the Brooks Lane footbridge to get it finished before the start of term so hopefully that means there will only be a short delay and we won't have to wait until November!

Diane Brown ● 35d