Hello All

A quick fly-by to let you know that TFL will begin works on Phase 2 of what it calls the Battersea Bridge Safety Scheme on 1st November. It is expected to take 11 months. Breathe deeply, stay calm, and carry on. (ie: WALK!)

These wider works come largely as a knock-on result of this campaign from 2021, which called for the northern end of the bridge to be made safer for pedestrians. The subsequent conversations and meetings between TFL, RBKC, Wandsworth council, and residents groups, led to a full-scale analysis of the road network in the immediate area. This has resulted in these further changes.

Below is a letter that TFL has sent out to residents outlining the works. Enthusiasts of the genre can enjoy further extensive reading here.

There is clearly going to be disruption on probably an epic scale, but hopefully TFL's piecemeal approach will assuage the agony. Fingers crossed for a relatively painless, positive change to the roads in this area that will be appreciated by all.

Regards

Rob M.

21 October 2024

Dear Neighbour 

I’m writing to let you know that from 1 November 2024 we plan to start building the Battersea Bridge safety improvements scheme, which we consulted on between November 2022 and January 2023.

This will mark the beginning of an 11-month programme of improvements to pavements and traffic signals, as well as changes to the road layout at several junctions along Battersea Bridge Road on the south side of the river, and at the Cheyne Walk junction on the north side.

We will work in phases between 1 November 2024 and late-September 2025.

We will start on the south side of the river at the junction of Battersea Bridge Road and Cambridge Road and work our way north towards the bridge one junction at a time to minimise disruption. These works are part of our Safer Junction programme, which aims to improve safety in areas across London with higher-than-average collision rates and to protect bus journey times along the Battersea Bridge corridor. Making roads and junctions safer for everyone is a key part of the Mayor's Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury on our transport network by 2041.

As part of this programme of works we will:

Install new signalised pedestrian crossings at Battersea Bridge Road, Prince of Wales Drive and at the southern end of Battersea Bridge
Introduce new signalised crossing points to improve safety and also modernise existing traffic signals and upgrade pavements at Battersea Bridge Road’s junctions with Battersea Church Road and Westbridge / Parkgate Road
Install a signalised bus gate across the southern approach onto Battersea Bridge
Permanently relocate ‘Battersea Bridge’ (BL) bus stop and shelter a short distance from its current location
Install a new cycle lane, upgrade the pedestrian crossing and install a new section of bus lane at the junction of Battersea Bridge Road and Cambridge Road
Amend traffic lane widths over Battersea Bridge to make it safer for cyclists using the bridge
Install controlled crossing points and improved cycle facilities and build out two corners creating more pavement space on the northern side to encourage lower speeds at the Cheyne Walk junction, along with two short sections of bus lane.

In addition, we will improve road markings throughout the area of the scheme to improve driver behaviour and make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. We will also make improvements to drainage and install cycle-friendly gullies.

How the works may affect you

As part of our works we will need to divert utility services for BT, Virgin Media, Thames Water and UKPN. We are working closely with these companies to coordinate our respective works and minimise disruption.

These works have been agreed with both Wandsworth Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC). With agreement from RBKC and Wandsworth Council some civil works, including resurfacing works at the end of the programme, will be done overnight to minimise disruption to the road network at its busiest times. We will do all we can to minimise any noise disturbance to our neighbours, including using acoustic barriers.

Driving and parking

Signed diversion routes will be in place at various times throughout the works during temporary road closures or restrictions. Marshals will be in place to enable residential access and to help manage traffic flow during these times. Allow more time for your journey and plan ahead using our Journey Planner.

Some parking and loading bays will be suspended at various stages of the works. You will need to use alternative bays during these times. We will put up signage to enable you to plan in advance.

Buses

Buses will take longer to travel through the area during the works. We will also need to close some bus stops at various stages of the works. We will put up signage to direct customers to the nearest alternative stop.
Visit tfl.gov.uk/bus/status or follow @TfLBusAlerts on Twitter for live information and updates

Walking and cycling

Pavements and pedestrian crossings will be kept open wherever possible. Any temporary closures will be signposted and a safe diversion route provided.

Cyclists will be able to cycle through the area throughout these works.

Contact

You can get in touch with us using the details at the top of this letter. Full details about the scheme can be found on our website: www.tfl.gov.uk/travel information/improvements-and-projects/battersea-bridge-safety

Alternatively, our dedicated Public Liaison Officers can also be contacted by phone or email.

Helen McConnell: 07917 518 529 / helen.mcconnell@fmconway.co.uk or Catherine Green: 07443 077444 / Catherine.Green@fmconway.co.uk

We apologise in advance for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience while we complete these important improvements.

Yours faithfully

Julie Lewington
Head of Projects & Programmes, Capital Delivery Transport for London