TfL is due to begin major road works on a scheme intended to make the A23 Streatham Hill “safer and better for residents and visitors”, the transport authority said today.
The scheme will create new pedestrian crossings, a protected cycling route and what TfL says will be improved bus lanes for quicker bus journeys.
Transport for London said today that there will be lane closures on Streatham Hill from Monday August 4 until “the autumn”, which seems conveniently vague, but buses will continue to operate their normal routes.
Road works and likely disruption is expected to continue in phases along this stretch of the A23 until the spring of 2027.
To begin, there will be a series of lane restrictions in both directions on the A23 between the junction with Holmewood Road, north of the South Circular on Brixton Hill, and the junction with Sternhold Avenue, close to Streatham Hill Station.
During these works, TfL says, “significant delays are expected and road journeys in the area will take longer than normal”.
To begin, the A23 will be closed between A205 Christchurch Road (the South Circular) and B221 Sternhold Avenue between 10pm and 5am on Sunday August 3 and Monday August 4.
Buses on the A23 will operate their normal routes but may be diverted during the occasional overnight closures. Some bus stops may be relocated or suspended.
Gridlock: the Streatham Wells LTN made an already bad situation worse
This first phase of work, which will continue until autumn, will see the removal of the road’s central reservation. Full travel advice is available at tfl.gov.uk/streatham-hill-works.
Streatham Hill has become notorious for traffic moving slowly, to the point of complete grid-lock, with Lambeth Council blamed for introducing the Streatham Wells LTN – low traffic neighbourhood. Residents with longer memories are aware of there being issues with high volume traffic along this stretch of road for many years – with the LTN making an already bad situation worse.
“Ensuring that everyone can travel safely and sustainably is important to the health and wellbeing of people in neighbourhoods and communities across the capital,” TfL said today in confirming the start of its road-widening works.
“This includes being able to access local high streets, shops and other businesses and amenities easily and affordably. Currently, roads in the area do not make it easy or attractive to walk or catch the bus. The scheme will make it easier to cross busy roads, offer protected space for people to cycle and provide continuous bus lanes with fewer obstructions.”
On his bike: cycling commissioner Will Norman is ‘delighted’ that the Streatham scheme is going ahead
And they say, “TfL will also work closely with bus operators to minimise any impacts on bus services as much as possible and 24/7 bus garage access will be maintained.” the council and TfL will also be keeping a close check on the surrounding road network.
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “I’m delighted TfL is working in close partnership with Lambeth Council to transform travel in Streatham Hill…
“The start of construction work follows an overwhelmingly positive response to TfL’s consultation on their plans, with so many respondents saying the new improvements to pedestrian crossings, pavements, bus lanes and a protected cycling route will make them feel safer on bike and on foot.
“The new scheme will better connect communities to transport hubs, schools, green space and each other, building a better London for everyone.”
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It is TFL which is responsible for the fiasco of the traffic situation between Croydon University Hospital and West Croydon station:
They have failed to reset traffic lights at the junction of London Road, after blocking off the South bound lane on Handcroft Road. Impatient motorists often jump the lights there, when coming out of Derby Road, which shares the lights with cars coming up Handcroft Road, though there is no excuse for breaking the law in that way.
TFL placed a zebra crossing right at the top of Canterbury Road, making it dangerous to cross there, as cars do not always stop when coming around the corner, especially from the Broad Green side. A couple of metal bollards have not prevented this.
As for the narrowing of the London Road up to West Croydon, this causes severe disruption, especially as selfish retailers have vans parked outside for much of the day. Buses cannot pass one another, and their inability to move forwards fouls up the traffic even more.
At the junction of St James’ Road, Sumner Road and the London Road, which involves a staggered junction, TFL have refused to make it possible for pedestrians to cross safely across Sumner Road. Those wishing to cross safely from one side of Sumner Road to the other are told to cross three separate roads (four, in fact, if one counts the traffic island which splits St James’ Road) in order to cross just one road. This is terrible for those who are visually challenged in particular!
The excuse TFL gave, when I challenged this, was that it would have a knock-on effect on traffic all the way into Central London, due to the connection of all traffic lights. I wonder whether perhaps I was just fobbed off by a very junior member of staff, who seemed more intent on deflecting any criticism aimed at TFL.
Transport for London’s motto is “Every Journey Matters!” Clearly, this it not the case! If every journey mattered, then TFL would not actually create bottlenecks! But, however one looks at it, TFL does indeed create them!
One must wonder whether the forthcoming works in Streatham High Road will actually make things better!
The Croydon roads you mention are owned and managed by Croydon council, not TfL.
Thanks Arfur. The traffic lights are, as I understand it, owned and managed by TFL, and it was them I was directed to contact about crossings and lights. Either way, it’s a mess!
Any chat about the A23 always cracks me up because people look for any reason to blame TFL and the councils involved when the problem will always be too many cars trying to squeeze through pinch points and bad driving. By Becmead Avenue for example is a hotspot.
Stop hopping in the car to driving yourself <5 mins to the shops and maybe see how the traffic clears up then.