Drivers could be charged £3 to cross Hammersmith Bridge under plans to create a double-decked bridge with pedestrians and cyclists underneath a new carriageway for traffic.
London’s Evening Standard says the toll charge idea follows the unveilling of plans last November where Hammersmith and Fulham Council, Sir John Ritblat from Delancey, and architects and engineers Foster + Partners suggested a temporary double-decker crossing within the existing structure.
The bridge has been closed fully on safety grounds since 13 August.
Under the proposal, pedestrians, cyclists and, potentially, motor vehicles could be using the bridge, with river traffic passing underneath, within a year of a contractor being appointed – much sooner than the previous plan.
A new raised truss structure would be built above the existing road deck featuring a lower level for pedestrians and cyclists and an upper level for cars and buses.
The council has no spare cash for the project so the Standard says the charge would be used to fund the work, but it needs support from the Government and Transport for London.
(Picture – London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham/Foster + Partners)
