Railway bridge works on Chislehurst Road
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At the time that traffic restrictions were introduced on the bridge (see details below), Councillor Bosshard wrote to the relevant authority seeking the introduction of a shuttle bus service between Chislehurst War Memorial and Orpington.
Early in October the following response was received from London Buses via the LBB traffic department:
“(We) have declined to institute a shuttle bus service 1) on cost grounds, as more shuttles would be needed than large buses and hence more drivers and 2) because the bus waiting area at Chislehurst War Memorial is already very crowded, deemed to be at its capacity and could not accommodate the shuttles, and 3) the buses (sic) and passengers have got used to the diversion".
The Society agrees with Councillor Bosshard’s view that “item 1) is probably the principal reason for declining the suggestion. It's disappointing, but not entirely surprising considering that cuts need to be made in public expenditure.”
The Society will continue to monitor the situation and report any developments to members through the Chislehurst Report and the website.
Original note:
Many members will already be aware that since early February the Chislehurst Road railway bridge has temporary traffic lights in place to allow traffic to travel in one direction at a time.
The latest routine safety inspection by the owners, the London Borough of Bromley, (last undertaken in 2008) found the bridge is no longer capable of carrying the weight load of a bus or a heavy goods vehicle.
From 30th March a weight limit becomes operational to ensure the safety of road and rail users alike. This will be enforced by width restrictions
From this date buses and heavy goods vehicles will be diverted down Leesons Hill, along Sevenoaks Way and Cray Avenue and back up Poverest Road (vice versa from the opposite direction).
When Station Approach re-opens the Council will look into the possibility of the diversion using this route instead of travelling through the Leesons Hill/Sevenoaks Way junction.
The bus stops on Chislehurst/Orpington Roads between the Poverest Road and Leesons Hill roundabouts will be put out of service.
The traffic restrictions on the bridge are likely to be in place for years rather than months for two reasons:
- Funding has to be found for rebuilding or strengthening the bridge. All bridge maintenance schemes across the capital are funded by Transport for London, and while Officers and Councillors are actively lobbying TfL to allow an early start to be made on this project, a formal bidding process needs to be followed as a number of bridges in London are in a similar condition.
- The Council’s contractors will have to obtain closure orders from Railtrack to work above the line. These are generally only granted for work at the weekends and for a few hours at night.
We will continue to lobby the Council for information and will keep you informed through our website and the Chislehurst Report.
If you experience traffic problems in your road which, in your opinion, are a direct result of the changes, your first contact should be with your local councillors:
Eric Bosshard 53, Marlings Park Ave., BR7 6RD
Katy Boughey 46, Camden Park Rd., BR7 5HF
Brian Toms Creswick, Southfield Rd., BR7 6QR
You should also send a copy of your issue to Councillor Colin P. Smith at the Civic Centre or to colin.smith@bromley.gov.uk. Mr Smith is the portfolio holder for all traffic/road safety issues.
We might also be able to raise your concerns at the Bromley Road Safety Consultative Panel meetings. Don’t hesitate to contact the Society.