A decision on whether the crumbling Croydon Flyover n South London will receive the government funding needed for a major refurbishment is expected later this year,Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed.
The upgrade would prolong the life of the ageing structure by at least 25 years and help avoid the risk of future closures or traffic restrictions, reports SouthLondon.co.uk.
TfL has submitted a business case to the Department for Transport’s Structures Fund, which would pay for the extensive works needed to restore the flyover.
Completed in 1969, the reinforced concrete flyover carries the A232 from Waddon over Croydon Old Town and into the town centre. It is one of south London’s busiest transport links, carrying around 40,000 vehicles each day while supporting a further 30,000 vehicle movements beneath it. However, after years of service, the flyover is starting to show its age.
In 2022, a TfL report named the flyover as one of six London roads and tunnels facing “imminent closure” without work in the next three years.
Work was initially expected to begin in 2026, but it is understood that delays in securing the crucial funding package mean the major refurbishment works are yet to get underway.
The proposed upgrade would include replacing waterproofing, drainage, joints and parapets, alongside structural repairs to tackle deterioration. TfL says the work would extend the flyover’s life by at least 25 years while protecting a key east-west route linking Croydon with Sutton, Bromley and the wider road network.
However, without funding from the Structures Fund, TfL says it would be unable to commit to the full programme of repairs within the timescale needed to maximise efficiency and minimise disruption. Instead, it said it would have to reconsider what work was possible alongside its other infrastructure priorities.
“We are currently completing essential design and planning work, which will help inform our delivery timelines, and continue to update stakeholders and local residents as the programme develops,” said a TfL spokesperson.
“We also continue to engage with government to ensure that critical assets like the Croydon Flyover continue to receive adequate funding to prevent them from possible closure in the future.”
A decision on the outcome of the business case is expected in autumn.
(Picture: Mapillary)
