Request ID: FOI-1288-2223 Date published: 06 October 2022
You asked
I have yet to receive a response to my earlier email. It seems that things may be calmer but the issue is by no means resolved.
In particular, as I have already said to you, the fundamental problem is the closure of two lanes of the A4. This is set to continue until December. We can’t get out of our house without joining the queue, which adds 15-20 minutes to each journey.
What are two lanes being closed? Why is the work to the railway bridge not going on 24/7? Each time we have passed it, there is one digger and usually nothing happening.
I would like answers to these questions, please and for my request to be treated as a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. I would also like to know the name of the contractor, the price of the works, and the duration of the contract, together with details of any penalty clause. If your answer is that the closure is to ensure the safety of the workforce I would like to know each and every health and safety standard you rely on. I would also like to know why the closure is in place when there is no one on site.
I am asking for the details as it seems to me that the disruption being caused is wholly disproportionate to the works being undertaken.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1288-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 24th August 2022 asking for information about congestion in Chiswick Mall.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
I can confirm that we hold the information you require. Your questions are answered in turn below:
Question 1: Why are two lanes being closed?
Answer: The closure of two lanes is required to deliver the project. A safety zone and a working zone are required, which necessitates the closure of two lanes.
Question 2: Why is the work to the railway bridge not going on 24/7? Each time we have passed it, there is one digger and usually nothing happening.
Answer: Work cannot take place around the clock as there are different phases that are required, including the need for waterproofing and concrete to dry before we go onto the next phase.
Question 3: I would also like to know the name of the contractor?
Answer: FM Conway.
Question 4: The price of the works?
Answer: The total costs including design and construction are in the region of £1.4m - £1.7m
Question 5: The duration of the contract?
Answer: The work was originally planned to be finished by the end of December, but the site had to be cleared for the Queen’s funeral which has the potential to extend it to January. However, we are trying as hard as we can to nonetheless complete it by the end December.
Question 6: Details of any penalty clause?
Answer: Details of penalties and performance measures are detailed within the ‘London Highway Maintenance and Projects Framework - South Area’ contract, which is available to view on the Contracts Finder website via the following link:
In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with a copy of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere.
Question 6: If your answer is that the closure is to ensure the safety of the workforce I would like to know each and every health and safety standard you rely on.
Answer: The work is being carried out in accordance with the ‘Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015’ - (see here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/index.htmCDM).Accordingly, a safety zone has to be provided for the workforce and public, which is part of the contractor’s duty of care
Question 7: I would also like to know why the closure is in place when there is no one on site.
Answer: There are deep excavations on the road and hence traffic management measures have to be in place around the clock, even when workers are not on site. Also, as referenced above in answer to question 2, there is concrete and waterproofing drying taking place, and hence there are no workers to be seen during some phases of the works as we need to allow time for this.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
