Forum Topic

Closure of Strand on the Green footbridge...

Does anyone know why the pedestrian bridge by Strand on the Green school has been closed? There is no sign on there to say why or for how long, and Hounslow website update says that it is not due to be to shut until 2026/27 for refurbishment.

Rhian Williams ● 18d11 Comments

Blimey, Jim must have complained.

Janice Evans ● 1h

The footbridge is openThere were a dozen people working on it earlier today

Gordon Treadway ● 2h

Network Rail said the work would be finished by the end of the week. Well, it's the end of the week....?

Francis Rowe ● 2d

I hope Network Rail do manage to get it fixed by next Wednesday. I know that for some parents with children living north of the railway line, it would be hugely challenging if it remained closed.

Alison Howard ● 4d

The footbridge to Strand on the Green from Brook Road is still not open and no work seems to have been done, or is being done on it. There are no signs on it for pedestrian to give an alternative routes either. TfL did send a letter to residents after they were contacted but there has been nothing since. This bridge is used very regularly by residents and visitors going to the river and to have it out of use with no updates really is not good enough.

Rhian Williams ● 6d

It's a bit concerning that these faults were discovered during a routine inspection but were considered so serious that the bridge required immediate closure. I wonder when was the last routine inspection if nothing untoward was discovered at the time?I contacted Network Rail a couple of years ago about the serious level of corrosion apparent on the Chiswick railway station footbridge. Eventually I received a fairly dismissive reply that all of Network Rail's bridges were subject to regular safety inspections and not to worry about it as something would be done "in the future". As we know something is being done now but it does look as if a "just in time" policy is in operation. Thankfully  they got lucky  - this time.

Bruce Hammal ● 17d

Thank you for the prompt action and update. I hope they will put a sign on the bridge to reflect this so that people know the reason and timescale. I will update residents of Chiswick Village.

Rhian ● 18d

Cllr Giles and I have just received confirmation from Network Rail about why Brooks Lane Footbridge was suddenly closed. It turns out engineers found serious faults in the timber beams during a routine inspection on Sunday evening, so they had to shut it straight away for safety reasons.They’ll be back today to work out exactly what needs doing, and the repairs are planned for next week at night when no trains are running. They say the bridge should reopen by Friday 22nd August.We know it’s a pain for anyone who uses the bridge regularly, so we'll keep chasing for updates and will share any news here as soon as we have it.Cllrs Giles and ThompsonChiswick Riverside WardEmergency Closure of Brooks Lane Footbridge We are writing to update you on the emergency closure of Brooks Lane Footbridge. On Sunday evening, during a routine safety inspection, engineers identified several structural faults in the timber beams that support the bridge span. Unfortunately, for everyone’s safety, we had to close the footbridge immediately. We are working quickly to ensure the bridge can be reopened as soon as possible. Later today, engineers will return to the site to survey the works required. Following this, repair work will be carried out next week during night-time hours, when trains are not operating, to minimise disruption. At present, we expect the bridge to reopen on Friday 22nd August.  We would like to apologise to local stakeholders and residents for this disruption. Kind regardsJack WhartonSenior Public Affairs Manager

Peter Thompson ● 18d

Thank you both for responding to this. I will let the residents in Chiswick Village know your update. We're all very frustrated about this and value you finding out more. I look forward to your update.

Rhian Williams ● 18d

I live yards from the bridge and have just returned from holiday to find the footbridge suddenly closed off. I’ve rechecked my council emails and there’s been no prior notice at all. My son, who’s been at home, made clear his surprise and frustration in no uncertain terms when he discovered the closure on his way to work!It’s unacceptable that local residents weren’t informed. Cllr Gabriella Giles and I are pressing council officers and Network Rail for answers on why there was no communication, what exactly is happening, and how long the closure will last.Cllr Peter ThompsonChiswick Riverside

Peter Thompson ● 18d

Hi Rhian, as local councillors, we've not heard anything about this, but I did receive a couple of complaints about the anti-grip surface at the tail-end of last week.I've been in touch with Network Rail this week, but they still haven't provided an update (their reply this morning said they would look into this). You may recall that this bridge was due to be refurbished in 2023, but it wasn't approved by LBH at pre-planning due to the plans not being a like-for-like replacement, and many of us were keen to encourage Network Rail to upgrade this bridge to step-free access.We had a meeting in January 2024 with Network Rail, LBH and many others, but there's been no movement on this in the past year. I will update when I have more. FYI - I'm a Councillor for Chiswick Riverside (don't want to make any assmuptions)

Gabriella Giles ● 18d