The first key enabling works to allow the Hammersmith Flyover to be fully reopened to traffic have now been completed, Transport for London (TfL) have announced.

The works, which began in January, have seen around 200m of the central reservation along the flyover removed in preparation for new tensioning cables to be installed which will support the structure.

Using a number of specialist techniques including hydrodemolition and diamond cutting, around 140 tonnes of concrete have been removed by using both high pressurised water and a rotating cord impregnated with diamonds to cut the material away.

These techniques meant that work could be carried out safely while traffic continued to use the flyover.

A team of engineers are working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to complete the work, often in a crawl space far less than human height.

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Now the key enabling works have been completed, TfL will begin to install a new concrete base, drainage and tailored anchorages for the new cables within the structure.

The design for the new post-tensioning system will see new cables installed above and below the bridge deck inside a specially made duct, which will supplement the load capacity of the remaining cables.

The new ducts will then be filled with a wax oil to prevent deterioration from any water ingress, as well as enable the cables to be easily replaced as and when required.

Work to strengthen the five weakest spans of the 16 span structure will be completed ahead of the 2012 Games, ensuring that the flyover can carry full traffic loading during the Games and for many decades to come.

Following the Games, TfL will return to the structure to strengthen the remaining spans. This work however will not require further weight restrictions to be imposed and TfL hope to complete it with only off peak lane closures, causing much less disruption than is presently the case.

Garrett Emmerson, Chief Operating Officer for Surface Transport at TfL, said: "We are continuing to work round the clock to implement a long term solution to restore the Hammersmith Flyover to full traffic capacity.

"With key enabling works now completed, work is now fully underway to install the new cabling system which will allow the structure to remain in use for many decades to come."

(CD/GK)