CGI of the Hammersmith flyunder proposals
H&F Council’s plans for a Hammersmith ‘flyunder’ are another step closer to reality after the scheme was backed along with four similar projects.
The Mayor of London on Monday (February 9) named five major traffic routes in London that could benefit from submersion, following a visit to the ‘Big Dig’ eight-lane underpass in Boston.
The council’s radical proposal for the ailing infrastructure has been named, alongside four other congestion hot spots, as a site where traffic could potentially be directed underground, freeing up land for development and amenity space and improving air quality.
H&F Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Cowan, said: “We just need the Mayor to put his hand in his pocket, instead of wasting £70million of taxpayers’ cash repairing this monstrosity. Sinking the flyover would free up land to be used for affordable housing, parks and cycling facilities.
"Our plans are the most developed of those suggested and will help ensure London remains a major trade centre for the 22nd Century and, if done the right way, it could be a real gem.”
It had been suggested that tolls would be levied to pay for the costs of the tunnel, however feasibility studies by H&F Council have indicated release of the land could generate enough money to cover the costs of the short tunnel proposal, without the need for a toll.
The other proposed sites, A13 in Barking Riverside, the A3 in Tolworth, the A316 at Chalkers Corner and the A406 in New Southgate, may require a toll as there are fewer development opportunities on the land released and the land value is not as high as it is in Hammersmith town centre.
Watch a video clip showing residents' views on the Hammersmith 'flyunder' proposal
Ruth Brown, 65, of Oaklands Grove, Shepherds Bush, was in in favour of the Hammersmith flyunder proposal.
She said: “I would like it to be under, because it would be less congested and look a lot better. Other cities in Europe have flyunders.”
