Transport for London (TfL) is working up plans for a demountable cycling and pedestrian bridge in West London after proposals for a temporary road bridge next to Hammersmith Bridge were dismissed as “not feasible” and “unaffordable”, New Civil Engineer understands.

Plans for a £5M temporary road bridge running parallel to the 132-old-year structure were tabled by marine engineering firm Beckett Rankine last week as a way of speeding up repairs to Hammersmith Bridge.

The proposal garnered support from Chelsea & Fulham MP Greg Hands and more than 2,900 locals who signed a petition backing the scheme (figure at time of writing). London Mayor Sadiq Khan also confirmed that the Beckett Rankine solution was being “seriously considered”, when asked during Mayor’s Question Time.

However, Hammersmith & Fulham Council has now ruled against the road bridge, while New Civil Engineer understands that TfL has switched its focus towards the feasibility of installing a nearby cycling and pedestrian link.

A council spokesperson said: “The expert advice is that this proposal is not feasible in the space available and at an affordable cost.

“We are therefore not pursuing this option. Work is already under way for the complete refurbishment of Hammersmith bridge.”

New Civil Engineer understands that consultant Pell Frischmann has been brought in by TfL to work up designs for a possible cycling and pedestrian bridge. It is also understood that at least three bridging firms, including Janson Bridging, have submitted their ideas for a temporary solution as part of a TfL scoping exercise.

Architects at The Manser Practice have also revealed plans for a ferry alternative, however New Civil Engineer understands that the scheme is not being considered by TfL or the council at this time.

Concerns for the road bridge are believed to have included the cost of driving piles into the riverbed, as well as costs associated with issuing compulsory purchases orders of required properties on the banks of the Thames.

However, Beckett Rankine director Tim Beckett said that he “would not give up” on his proposal just yet.

“We still believe it can be done at the cost we submitted and we are having further discussions with Richmond council and local MPs,” Beckett told New Civil Engineer.

Hammersmith Bridge has been closed to traffic since April after critical faults were found with its ageing cast iron structure. Early stage estimates put the total cost of repairs at up to £120M. Work is scheduled to take three years.

The bridge will be shut to traffic during the repair work, meaning that several London bus routes are being diverted.

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