Community campaign unveils plans for Hammersmith Bridge pods
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Barnes Hammersmith Electric Light Transit (BHELT) has launched a new website explaining more about its campaign. The group first went public at Barnes Community Association’s Town Meeting in May before one of its founders spoke to the Pond Life podcast.
Welcome to Barnes2050, a place-based futures project asking: how do we make sure Barnes - the place and its people - is thriving and climate-ready by 2050?
What role Hammersmith Bridge?
Until last week there were, for practical purposes, realistic futures for Hammersmith Bridge.
A fourth has now emerged following Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s likely decision not to seek funding for a full restoration to motor traffic.
Full restoration to motor traffic - Restore Hammersmith Bridge to its pre-2019 role, allowing vehicles to cross in both directions. Estimated cost: £300 million.
Active travel plus public service vehicles - Retain walking and cycling while allowing lightweight buses and similar services. Possible, the campaigning charity estimated this would cost £10 million (2023 prices).
Active travel only - Continue with the current, 2026, arrangement keeping the Bridge for walkers, wheelers and cyclists.
Closed to all - If H&F council cannot secure UK government funding, much may depend on what officers mean by an ‘exit strategy’
BHELT are campaigning for the second option: active travel plus limited public transport.
From idea to campaign
The website includes details on
the vision for the future of Hammersmith Bridge
background on some of the key players in BHELT
details of three strands of work, beginning with Barnes Fair later this month, where visitors will be able to see see an Ohmio vehicle
Notes and thoughts
The timing is striking.
Earlier this week, Hammersmith & Fulham council revealed it was likely to scrap plans to seek funding for a full restoration allowing motor traffic across Hammersmith Bridge. As the BBC reported,
.. a full restoration allowing motor traffic would cost £300m. The report said there was “no financial option available that would allow its full restoration.
Barnes2050 supports a car-free Bridge and a trial of lightweight electric buses across Hammersmith Bridge, pods.
The first challenge is the Bridge’s weight restriction.
H&F council officers are clear that the 139-year-old structure remains fragile. That is why they are seeking £128 million for a phased repair programme designed to keep it open for walkers, wheelers and cyclists.
And, Barnes2050 hopes, pods.
Hammersmith Bridge is about far more than a river crossing. It is a question about the future of Barnes. At its heart sit questions of transport, climate, health and community. Explore Barnes2050’s wider analysis here.