Streatham Hill roadworks until 2027

Streatham Hill, which was sometimes at a standstill during trials – now postponed – of a local low traffic neighbourhood, is to undergo major traffic changes.

Transport for London (TfL) said today (28 March) that it plans to begin construction work this summer on a major scheme to make the A23 Streatham Hill “safer and better for residents and those visiting the area”.

It said the scheme was developed in close partnership with Lambeth council and would create new pedestrian crossings, a protected cycling route and improvements to bus lanes.

TfL said the construction programme has been planned to minimise disruption for local residents and businesses, “but there will be impact at times”.

It will publish a dedicated travel advice page closer to the start of the works

Roads in the surrounding area are expected to be busier than usual, and TfL is encouraging people to consider alternative transport options.

It said that, currently, roads in the area do not make it easy or attractive to walk or catch the bus.

“TfL also needs to protect bus journey times on this important corridor to enable more people to benefit from London’s affordable network of bus services,” it said.

“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. The work will be undertaken in five main stages and is due to be completed by spring 2027.”

Latest collision analysis for the area shows that 72 collisions took place in the 36-month period up to 31 October 2024, resulting in injuries to 75 people.

“TfL is determined to eliminate death and serious injury on the transport network as part of its Vision Zero goal,” it said.

TfL said it had held a consultation on its plans, with 70 per cent of respondents stating that the changes would make it easier or safer to walk and 83 per cent saying the same about cycling.

TfL will begin construction work this summer, with new pedestrian crossings and existing ones moved to places where people want to cross.

New protected cycle lanes are designed to make cycling safer, including over the busy South Circular at the top of Brixton Hill.

Improvements to bus lanes will involve removing parking and loading bays, making it easier for buses to travel.

Access restrictions for local side roads, including closures, will be introduced.

“This will improve road safety on the A23 and minimise vehicle movements across the protected cycle lane, reducing danger to people cycling,” TfL said.

New trees and landscaping, as well as sustainable drainage to reduce the risk of flooding, will make public spaces more attractive for everyone, it added.

There will be new traffic signals at the Telford Avenue junction, outside Brixton bus garage.

TfL said it has planned its construction programme to minimise disruption for local residents and businesses as much as possible, including maintaining traffic flow and avoiding night working where possible.

It will work closely with Lambeth council to monitor and address impacts on local side roads and the surrounding road network.

Julie Lewington, TfL’s head of projects and programmes, said: “Our plans to transform A23 Streatham Hill for everyone who lives in, works in, and visits the area, will make it easier and safer for people to travel and enable more people to walk and cycle”.

Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, Lambeth council deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable Lambeth and clean air, said: “We are supporting this Transport for London scheme that will be transformational for Streatham.

“New pedestrian crossings and safe cycling infrastructure, improved bus lanes, extra trees and greenery will be a huge boost to the high street and great benefit for businesses, residents and road users.

“TfL will work to monitor any impact on the local road network and minimise disruptions for residents. We will support them in making sure that happens.”

TfL said its research showed that people from under-represented groups are open to taking up cycling, but experience “different barriers”, and the plan outlines “ambitious evidence-led measures to support these groups by addressing these barriers”.

TfL and London boroughs have more than quadrupled the size of the London-wide strategic cycle network, from 90 kilometres (56 miles) in 2016 to more than 400 kilometre (250 miles).