Traffic chaos fear over bridge closure

The RAC predicts west London will become heavily congested

Thousands of drivers who travel into London from the west face a month of disruption with the complete closure of a key route.

The Hammersmith Flyover, which carries traffic from the M4 and A4, will be closed from Friday 1 August for waterproofing and strengthening work.

During the £1m operation there will be alternative routes and diversions, but serious delays are expected.

The flyover is normally used by 75,000 drivers a day.

Transport for London (TfL) is advising commuters to avoid the area and travel by public transport instead.

The motorists lobby group the RAC Foundation told BBC London it expected congestion as far west as Heathrow and as far in as Kensington.

'Find alternative routes'

"In reality I think west London will pretty much be at a standstill and anybody who needs to travel in the area should try and get an alternative route", the RAC's Jonathan Simpson said.

He added he thought the closure had been badly managed by TfL.

"It's not been widely advertised that the work is taking place. I think many who will be coming into London will be extremely confused.

"People really should avoid the area at all costs if they can."

Bus lanes

But TfL denied the closure had been ill-managed.

TfL's Peter Brown said: "We've had overhead message signs up for over a week. We've had brochures that have been distributed widely in the immediate area for local journeys.

"In fact I think we've advertised this very well."

Hounslow Council, which predicts serious disruption in the Chiswick area, has decided to help keep the buses running by extending the bus lane operating hours to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Waiting restrictions on Chiswick High Road will also be extended to 24 hours a day, seven days week and there will be a free emergency breakdown service.