Hello All
I have been sent a letter in advance of the public (VIP, me!) by TFL announcing that works on the Battersea Bridge crossing have been brought forward by a few days. They will now begin on 21st October and are scheduled to be completed by 21st November. This letter will be delivered to 19,500 wonderful people locally in the coming days.
It is worth noting that TFL has put in writing its commitment to consult and (fingers crossed) see through 'Phase 2' to make the other sections of the Cheyne Walk crossroads safe. That phase has a long way to go, but this is a good sign and underpins what I had been told privately - that there is the "political will" to see it all through.
The main news is that the most critical crossing at that junction will be with us soon. Whilst the great British media panics about the "cancellation of Christmas", pedestrians coming over the bridge will at least be able to celebrate the unwrapping of something worth having early.
Don't walk on by! (RM: 08/10)
This is the full text of the letter:
'Dear Occupier
Battersea Bridge: New pedestrian crossing building works from October
I am writing to let you know that works to build a new signalised pedestrian crossing on the north side of Battersea Bridge will start on 21 October 2021.
In addition to building the new crossing - as the first phase of a two-phase project to improve safety for everyone at this busy junction - we will expand the pavement on both sides of the road, add tactile paving, and enforce the existing banned right turn from Cheyne Walk into Battersea Bridge Road 24 hours a day. We will also reduce the speed limit on Chelsea Embankment from 30mph to 20mph.
Further proposals – Phase 2
We continue to develop proposals for adding more pedestrian crossings at the junction. A full public consultation on the proposals will be held in 2022.
How our works may affect you
We expect to complete works on Phase 1 by 21 November 2021. From 21 October until 4 November we will work during the day and night – from 08:00 until 05:00 the following morning – to get as much work done as possible and speed up the overall programme. Then from 4 November until 21 November we will only work during the night – from 21:00 until 05:00 the following morning – to minimise disruption to the road network, including buses, during the day. We will not do any noisy work after 23:00 on any night.
We will make every effort to complete the works on time. However, poor weather conditions or events in the area may mean we need to reschedule works at short notice.
We have developed these proposals in collaboration with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), London Borough of Wandsworth and local safety campaigners. Our working hours have been agreed with RBKC.
Traffic
At various times throughout the works we will need to restrict access to side roads and close lanes on the approaches to the junction. During road restrictions or temporary closures, signed diversion routes will be in place and marshals will be on hand to help drivers. Please plan ahead, allow more time for your journey and use alternative routes where possible.
Buses
Bus routes 19, 49, 170, 319, 345, N19 and N31 will all experience some delays at various times throughout the works. We will put signage on suspended bus stops to direct customers to the nearest alternative stop. Please allow more time for your journey. Visit tfl.gov.uk/bus/status or follow @TfLBusAlerts on Twitter for live updates.
Parking
We will suspend some parking and loading bays during the works. We will put signage up on site where this is necessary.
Pedestrians
We will keep pavements and crossings open wherever possible and clearly signpost any temporary closures.
Project Liaison Officer
If you need any more information please contact our contactor’s Public Liaison Officer Helen McConnell on 07917 518 529 or via: helen.mcconnell@fmconway.co.uk
We thank you for your patience while we complete these works.'