Construction on the White Hart Lane Footbridge, Barnes will begin today and Zac Goldsmith MP has welcomed this step.

The works are beginning after years of campaigning by Zac Goldsmith MP, residents, Councillors and the Barnes Town Centre Manager, Emma Robinson.

The campaign culminated in a petition launched by Zac Goldsmith in 2015 which received 1,295 signatures and added significant pressure on Network Rail to make the commitment.

The council have partnered with Network Rail to fund the project, whic will run until mid-April. Most of the work will take place between 7:30 am and 6:00pm, Monday to Friday. 

For safety reasons some work will require the train line to be blocked as well as lane and road closures over some nights and weekends. Any disruption will be communicated to residents closer to the time.

White Hart Lane level crossing is a heavily used crossing with a daily average of 2,125 pedestrian crossings and over 4,500 motor vehicles.

With an average barrier downtime between 35 and 42 minutes, pedestrians congregate in front of barriers and there have been times when they were forced onto the road and in the path of cars when the barriers are lifted.

This is why it was felt necessary to construct a footbridge adjacent to the level crossing.

Zac said: “I am so pleased that Network Rail has keep its end of the bargain and has committed not only to building the bridge, but to starting construction very soon.

"It will make a real difference to the community. I want to thank everyone who helped get us this far, in particular Emma Robinson and Councillor Avon.”

Cllr Alexander Ehmann, Cabinet Member for Transport, Streetscene and Air Quality said:

“Earlier this year, shortly after becoming Cabinet Member, I visited the site to talk to residents about their desire for a safe crossing for the school children, cyclists and pedestrians in the area.

“Local residents have campaigned over a number of years for a footbridge on this site and, thanks to this Council, years of discussion were transformed into solid action, with the new administration agreeing much-needed funds to enable the construction of the new bridge.

“I would like to thank residents, ward councillors, and Network Rail for their commitment to this project, and I look forward to seeing the footbridge open in the new year.”