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Some thoughts on the history of road transport in Chiswick:
This post-war map indicates the future route of the A4 trunk road. It cuts through housing and playing fields, severing Chiswick from its connection to the river.
For centuries the old High Road to the north was connected to the river along Chiswick Lane. This lane was cut in half by the duel carriageway. Alexander Pope lived in the pub.
If Hogarth were to return to his house, he could see handsome Georgian houses standing forlornly by the roundabout that bears his name. As a satirist he may laugh.
W. M. Thackeray set the opening scene of Vanity Fair in the beautiful Chiswick Square. The occasional visitors shout to hear themselves over the roar of traffic and hurry along.
This building used to be the village post office. Underneath the flyover stood the Parish Hall.
This school had its playground halved by the new road.
The car lobby wanted the East West cycle route, #CW9, to run along this pavement. In their defence, historically this was a recreation area!
After 12 years of delays, #CW9 is finally nearing completion along the ancient coaching route now known as Chiswick High Road.
Any displaced cars are welcome to use the nearby dual carriageway which runs parrallel and was built specifically for them at huge cost.
Any displaced cars are welcome to use the nearby dual carriageway which runs parrallel and was built specifically for them at huge cost.
The old High Road was never built for cars. We can see that bicycles and electrified public transport were an important feature of its past. They will be central to its future.
#CW9 it's about time.
#CW9 it's about time.
