§ Lord Montague of Oxfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
When the bridge at Hammersmith is likely to be reopened to road transport. [HL1508]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Baroness Hayman)The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham is responsible for this bridge, which it closed to most classes of traffic—except for buses, pedestrians, cyclists, motor cyclists and emergency vehicles—early in 1997. This was done in the interests of public safety and to minimise the risk of structural damage. The borough has started on a comprehensive programme of strengthening and repair, which it expects to be completed by the end of September 1999. While these works are in hand, it is undertaking public consultation on the future of the bridge. The findings are expected to be reported to the appropriate committee in July 1998, and the borough will then reach a view on the question of re-opening the bridge.