Story by Joe Acklam.

A new footbridge along the River Thames at Barnes Bridge has opened, putting an end to a long and dangerous detour for walkers.

The new Dukes Meadow Footbridge goes along the Thames Path in Chiswick to help walkers by not having to take a long detour around that section, as well as helping accessibility for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. 

The Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Raghwinder Siddhu, formally opened the bridge on Friday 13th January at a ceremony which was also attended by Hounslow Council Leader Shantanu Rajawat. 

Councillor Rajawat, said: "Pedestrians using the Thames Path in Dukes Meadows usually find themselves facing a long detour that takes them away from the Thames to pass through a narrow tunnel under the railway. 

"This bridge will now offer a fantastic uninterrupted route along the jewel in London's crown: the River Thames. 

"This major construction milestone and engineering triumph is testament to years of close partnerships between Hounslow Council, our construction partner Knights Brown, and the local community - under the leadership of my predecessor Steve Curran. 

"We also received tremendous cross-party support for this project from local ward member Councillor John Todd. 

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"We're proud to offer residents a more inclusive and accessible route to the Thames Path and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to Dukes Meadows." 

This bridge was part of the Mayor of London's £53 million Liveable Neighbourhoods initiative and was built with the help of the local community, former Hounslow Council leader Steve Curran, ward member, Councillor John Todd, and construction partner Knights Brown. 

Sean Hebden, Divisional Director at Knights Brown, said: "The innovation deployed to overcome the complexities of the build and installation process are an example to us all of what can be achieved when everybody works together. The quality of the end result is something we should all be proud of. 

"We're grateful for the fantastic support received from our extended supply chain and for the stunning design, which has been recreated to maximum effect in delivery. 

"We hope it brings much pleasure to the Council and community of Hounslow."