Hammersmith flyover? The solution could be to dig a tunnel, says Boris

The Hammersmith flyover could be replaced by a tunnel when it is finally pulled down, says Boris Johnson.

 

The flyover is causing traffic misery every day as engineers battle to fully reopen the bridge in time for the Olympics. The Mayor has now raised the possibility that it could eventually be replaced by a tunnel.

The 50-year-old flyover, which carries the A4 over the centre of Hammersmith, was shut on December 23 when steel cables that hold the 900 metre-long concrete structure together were found to have corroded.

Investigations over Christmas revealed some cables had snapped, raising concerns about the four-lane structure's ability to carry traffic volumes of about 90,000 vehicles a day.

It is now open to one lane of traffic in each direction. Repair work will focus on strengthening six of the 16 spans of the structure to ensure that they can carry full traffic loading by the Olympics.

After the Games, engineers will strengthen the remaining 10 spans of the flyover.

The Mayor has said he believes the repairs will extend the life of the bridge by up to 15 years.

Nick Botterill, deputy leader of Hammersmith & Fulham council, said: "Local people need to be at the heart of the debate about the long-term replacement for Hammersmith flyover and now is the time to start thinking about what could replace this ugly and outdated structure.

"The world has moved on and it would be unthinkable to put up an elevated monster like the flyover in this day and age. Many people, including architects, are starting to think about a tunnel."

A spokesman for the Mayor said: "The priority is to get the Hammersmith flyover fully operational as soon as possible. That work will keep the fly-over open for 10 to 15 years during which time it would be prudent to consider what a replacement might be.

"The Mayor believes every option should be considered including the possibility of a tunnel which would also provide the great benefit of freeing up around 900 metres of land."

(Evening Standard)