Construction begins for new pedestrian and cycle safety improvements at Bow Interchange

Transport for London (TfL) have begun construction on vital safety improvements at Bow Interchange in east London.

The improvements are designed to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians on Bow Roundabout, by making it much more accessible and paving the way for a wider vision for the area.

New signalised pedestrian crossings are being installed across Bow Road and Stratford High Street, along with crossings to link the two roads via the Bow Roundabout traffic Island. The non-signalised crossings on the A12 Blackall Tunnel Northern Approach slip roads will be removed.

A new public place will be created under the Bow Flyover and Toucan crossings to provide a crossing for cyclists between Cycle Superhighway 2 and River Lea towpath. The cycle “early start” facilities at the roundabout will be repositioned to make space for the new pedestrian crossings and the layout of the eastbound facility will be changed to be similar to the layout on Stratford Highstreet. The length of the cycle waiting area on Bow Road will be increased from 12 metres to 18.

The interim scheme will delivery immediate benefits ahead of the wider Bow Vision Programme, which TfL is working with the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Newham, forecast to be delivered by 2025.

Consultation for the full vision for Bow in Summer 2016 will investigate options including the removal of the Bow Flyover providing extra pedestrian crossings, redesigning the Bow Interchange including removal of the roundabout, improvements to the pedestrian and cycle connections across the A12 Blackwell Tunnel Northern Approach, extending bus networks through new communities and overall improvements to the urban environment which reflects the local area.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson MP, said: “Bow Roundabout was one of the first junctions we set out to tackle when we started our new roads modernisation programme. It was not fit for purpose, especially in light of the dramatic growth and change in east London. We have already made improvements, but more is needed and these changes – and the longer term proposals being consulted on in a few months – will transform the junction and the area.”

The works are part of a £4bn Road Modernisation Plan, the biggest investment in London’s roads in a generation to transform the streets and make them safer for all.

 

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