Council set to agree to part-fund White Hart Lane footbridge
A footbridge over White Hart Lane level crossing will be a step closer if Richmond Council’s Cabinet approves a decision to part-fund the project in partnership with Network Rail.
The Council is expected to agree to invest up to £821,136 towards the delivery of the new footbridge in the forthcoming financial year.
A survey undertaken in May 2015 showed on average more than 2,000 pedestrians used the level crossing per day.
The investment will see a new stepped pedestrian footbridge installed to provide an alternative route for pedestrians during times when the train barriers are down.
Cllr Alexander Ehmann, Cabinet Member for Transport, Streetscene and Air Quality said:
“Having met with residents to discuss proposals for a pedestrian footbridge it was clear this bridge was a top priority.
“Installing the new footbridge will make a huge difference to pedestrian safety and Network Rail’s financial support for the footbridge offers a good value partnership for council taxpayers in the borough.
“However, the footbridge is a big capital investment and until the forthcoming Council Cabinet, Richmond Council had not allocated any funds for its delivery. That is why the local community’s input was so important in helping us to understand their priorities and ultimately contributed to this opportunity to secure vital council funding necessary for this important scheme.”
Cllr Ehmann visited the junction between White Hart Lane and Railway Side in May, where he heard views from community members about plans for the new footbridge.
