Transport for London has announced it is beginning construction work on on the next section of Cycleway 4 in Deptford, a major new cycle route to enable thousands of safer and easier cycle journeys across the area each week. Work begins on Monday 16 August.

TfL says Creating enough space for people to walk and cycle safely is vital to ensuring a sustainable and healthy recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, especially as around 60% of households in inner London do not have access to a car, with a high proportion of these from low-income households.

Sections of the route, which will run from central London to Greenwich when finished, have already been completed between Tower Bridge Road and Rotherhithe and on Creek Road in Deptford.

Construction will start on the next section of the route on Evelyn Street in Deptford and the work is expected to be completed in spring.

TfL says that, once complete, the scheme will create:

• 1.4km of two-way protected cycle track, which will play a vital role in reducing road danger and encouraging people to cycle more often
• New pedestrian crossings at Gosterwood Street and Grinstead Road, which will make walking journeys easier and safer
• Upgrades to existing pedestrian crossings at Oxestalls Road and Deptford High Street
• Wider footways and a new public space at New King Street, with new trees and seating, making the local neighbourhood a nicer place to walk around and spend time in
• Recent TfL cycle count data suggests that thousands of people continue to make the most of new and upgraded cycle routes and infrastructure across the capital.

TfL research found along the upgraded CS7 route in Balham, an average of 3,400 people were counted cycling each weekday in June and July. Meanwhile, on Bishopsgate in the City of London, around 7,300 people were counted cycling on weekdays, with 2,200 people counted along C9 in Chiswick.

Trial changes have also been brought in between Greenwich and Charlton, using cylinders to protect people cycling from motor traffic along a route that includes the Angerstein Roundabout, where a man was tragically killed cycling in 2018.

TfL promises to keep residents and businesses along the route informed as construction progresses along the road. From the 16 August, lane and road closures and turning restrictions will be in place at certain times along the route.

Traffic management will be used to narrow traffic lanes and also for pedestrian diversions. All diversion routes will be clearly signed and there may be delays while travelling on the A200 Lower Road, A200 Creek Road and from the A2209 Deptford Church Street. TfL is advising people travelling in the area to plan ahead and to consider alternative routes.

Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said, “Thousands of people are already benefitting from new and upgraded cycle routes across London, and the next phase of Cycleway 4 will make a huge difference to those cycling around Deptford. Making it easier to walk and cycle in the capital is key to a green and sustainable recovery from the pandemic, and it’s really exciting that this key route between central London and Greenwich is going to be improved.”

(Picture – Yay Images)