Hammersmith A4 tunnel 'could replace flyover'

A group of London architects who call Hammersmith Flyover a "terrible act of vandalism" have proposed replacing it with an underpass.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council supports the plan following concerns about the flyover's long term cost and viability.

The council said it was drafting plans to show Transport for London (TfL) the benefits of the idea.

TfL said any scheme would have to be fully justified and in line with the redevelopment of the area.

'Concrete monster'

Councillor Nicholas Botterill said: "The Hammersmith Flyover is a hangover from another era that should never be repeated.

"This elevated concrete monster has divided our town centre for decades - magnifying traffic noise and polluting our air in the process.

"Residents need to be at the heart of the debate about the long-term replacement of this ugly and out-dated structure and there is clearly a desire to think boldly."

The flyover, which is used by about 90,000 vehicles each day, was closed in 2011 for five months while repairs were carried out to cables which had been eroded by salt water, causing widespread traffic congestion.

Architect group, West London Link, said its plans involved landscaping the land above the tunnel as well as using it to build new homes.

Architect Tom Ryland said: "The flyover was a terrible act of vandalism. It has been patched up at huge expense and that will only last around 20 years and then it will have to be taken down.

"You could dig a tunnel without major disruption, unlike rebuilding the flyover and diverting all the traffic for two years."

The council has invited residents to comment on its website.