DfT kicks Hammersmith ferry plans to the kerb

The West London ferry service was originally earmarked to be up and running this spring, however the project has suffered a number of delays and setbacks.

With Hammersmith Bridge now reopened to pedestrians and cyclists, NCE understands that the Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce has decided to put the brakes on the ferry scheme as there is no longer an urgent need for it.

Transport for London (TfL) was charged with developing plans for the ferry crossing, with Thames Clippers lined up to operate it.

The ferry plans were first put forward last autumn after Hammersmith Bridge completely closed after cracks widened in the structure’s cast iron pedestals.

However, after being given the all clear by Mott MacDonald the bridge reopened to pedestrians and cyclists earlier this summer, some 10 months after it shut due to fears that it could suffer a catastrophic collapse. It has been closed to motorised traffic for more than two years after cracks appeared in its cast-iron structure.

Consequently, sources close to the Taskforce told NCE that the ferry service has been "effectively mothballed" until the bridge needs to be closed again for stabilisation or refurbishment work.

One source said: “The Taskforce has decided not to fast track the ferry as there is no longer an urgent need for it, although it will still be required for the bridge's major refurbishment; but goodness knows when that will be.”

A TfL spokesperson added that plans will continue to be developed should the bridge need to be closed at short notice.

“We are pleased that Hammersmith & Fulham has been able to re-open Hammersmith Bridge to pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic,” the spokesperson said.

“As requested by the government, we are continuing to develop plans for a ferry should the bridge need to close at short notice for repairs or for planned work. Along with them and Hammersmith & Fulham, we are working to ensure people can continue to cross the river in the local areas.”

Last month, Hammersmith & Fulham Council approved Mott MacDonald’s alternative proposal to stabilise Hammersmith Bridge’s cast iron pedestals.

The proposal is earmarked to cost just £6M, some £24M less than the original stabilisation plan drawn up by Pell Frischmann.

As well as saving £24M and reducing the works programme to 46 weeks, the new plan - which has also been favourably reviewed by Historic England - is expected to reduce the need for temporary closures.

A DFT spokesperson added: "Thanks to £4M of government funding and the work of engineers and the council, Hammersmith Bridge has now been open to pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic for almost two months.

"We will now consider the benefit of establishing a ferry service, and we are keen that all views are considered carefully.”

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