00:00Well, it's really important that we do make these changes at both ends of the bridge.
00:05It's been a really difficult location for cyclist safety.
00:10We're removing the roundabouts, putting in signal junctions that will change the layout
00:14and make the junctions at both ends of the bridge much safer for both cyclists and pedestrians
00:18and we believe improve the traffic flow.
00:21I'd like to apologise for the disruption that's obviously going to be caused during these works
00:25but it's really, really essential we do that.
00:27At the same time, we're taking the opportunity to do some remedial works to the bridge,
00:31improving the waterproofing which will extend the life of the bridge
00:35and make sure that it remains such a fantastic river crossing for us.
00:39How much of a concern is the longevity of London's bridges?
00:43So many of them are over a century old.
00:45This week the Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce is reconvening.
00:48Is that a growing issue on TfL's agenda in any way?
00:51Well, I think infrastructure generally across the UK needs to continue to be invested in
00:56and that's why we've been making the case to government around the long-term capital funding
01:00that we need similar to network rail and national highways.
01:03The Tube network is over 160 years old.
01:06Some of the infrastructure is original infrastructure, same as the river crossing.
01:10So you can't just build new infrastructure and then not maintain it and repair and renew it when required.
01:16So it is critical that all infrastructure organisations have the funds to undertake the significant works
01:22that are required to keep those assets fully in use
01:25and, of course, safe.
01:26Just finally, TfL will be part of the discussions, I hope, later this week
01:32that the Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce government is reconvening that after three years of it lying dormant.
01:38What are you hoping will come out of those discussions?
01:40Well, we've got a very open mind.
01:42I hope that we can all work together to find a solution that will enable us to remove the uncertainty that currently exists.
01:50It's clearly a frustration for residents on both sides of the river
01:54and we want to play an active role in that.
01:57But, of course, we need to have the funds made available
02:00for whichever organisation is going to be responsible for undertaking the works.
02:04I'm sure we'll have a fruitful conversation
02:06and I think we won't see what comes out of that at the end of the week.
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