Local MP Mary Macleod has called for ‘greater clarity’ over the date when residents can expect the Hammersmith Flyover to be reopened. The four lane arterial road was closed in December after routine inspections highlighted issues with its structure.
Mary commented, “The Hammersmith flyover is a vital transport link for West Londoners and its temporary closure has caused much disruption, especially on roads in the Chiswick area.”
“I will be holding a public meeting for those affected by the closure where they will have the opportunity to raise any concerns with myself, Transport for London and local transport officials,” Mary added. “The priority here is safety but it is also important that local people have an understanding of when the disruption they are currently facing is likely to end.”
Transport for London have put into place a number of measures to minimise delays including traffic light fazing and working with freight and the delivery industry to divert large vehicles away from trouble spots. A spokesman revealed earlier this week that around 80 engineers are currently working to assess the scale of the problem, with that number set to increase once work commences on replacing the steel cables.
Last week the London Mayor Boris Johnson visited the site and promised that the flyover would be “fully operational well ahead of the 2012 Games,” however there has been much speculation as to when this might be. Mary added, “The priority must be for the experts to work out a realistic time frame for the flyover to be back in action and for that information to be shared with local people.”
Those wishing to discuss any issues regarding the closure of the Hammersmith Flyover are invited to attend a public meeting to be held on Saturday 14th January at 2-3pm, The West London Free School, Cambridge Road, Hammersmith, W6 0LB. Any questions regarding the meeting should be sent to [email protected].