Hello

I am happy to be able to bring you all the details and the first graphic of the new crossing that is to be installed on the north side of Battersea Bridge.

Transport for London will be sending out 17,000 - count 'em - letters next week to inform local residents about the changes. The letters will not be delivered until Wednesday, but I can give you an early look at what your support has made happen (25,961 of you, as I write).

The graphic above shows the projected shape of the new crossing and it looks excellent (if such things can have an "excellent" look). It will be a "push button" timer crossing, the footway will be expanded, AND there will be a new Left Turn Only lane on Cheyne Walk at which traffic will be held at a Red Light while people cross (this was identified as an imperative alteration in the earliest despatch from this parish).

TFL has just loaded details to its website and can be viewed here.

It is worth making it clear that the letters are NOT a public consultation as such. Due to the urgent need for this crossing - and the fact that it is supported by RBKC and all local resident groups -  this is what will happen.

TFL has even said that this could be installed by the summer.

Round of applause for Commissioner Andy Byford and officers at TFL. Super work.  (RM: 5/3/21)

Here's a snap-shot of the letter that will go out next week...

'Dear Occupier

Battersea Bridge: New pedestrian crossing

I am writing to let you know that we intend to build a new signalised pedestrian crossing on the north side of Battersea Bridge to improve safety for pedestrians crossing this busy junction.

The new crossing – which will be button-operated and feature a pedestrian countdown timer – will enable people to walk across the southern arm of the junction free from the dangers of vehicle traffic movements. We will provide more space on the pavement for people and add tactile paving to make it easier for people with accessibility needs.

We will also enforce the existing banned right turn from Cheyne Walk into Battersea Bridge Road 24 hours a day, instead of just during the daytime, making it safer for people crossing at all times....

Following the prioritised installation of a new crossing over the southern arm of the junction, we are also proposing two further pedestrian crossings, one on Cheyne Walk (on the junction’s western arm) and one on Beaufort Street (on thejunction’s northern arm). We will continue to work with the Royal Borough and other stakeholders to agree these plans and will carry out a public consultation on those later this year.

We plan to build the first new crossing this summer.  

...and then this...

Safety improvements are also planned at the southern end of the bridge. We will continue to work closely with Wandsworth Council on those plans.'