Waterloo’s transformation to start in early 2020
Plans to transform Waterloo roundabout and Waterloo Road have been backed in a public consultation.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, TfL and Lambeth Council have today announced that work to transform the Waterloo area will start in early 2020. The work will improve the area for walking, cycling and public transport users through what is currently an intimidating and dangerous junction that cuts through the local community. Waterloo Roundabout was identified earlier this year as among the 73 junctions in the Capital with the worst safety record for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists in TfL's evidence-led Safer Junctions programme. The dramatic changes to be delivered at the junction will include segregated cycle lanes, cycle-specific traffic lights, wider footpaths, a full redesign of the intimidating junction and vastly improved public spaces. The improvements will also open up new areas of London for safer cycling and will provide another valuable piece in London's growing network of safe cycle routes. Concerns over safety are frequently cited as one of the key reasons people do not cycle in the Waterloo area. Overhauling this notorious junction will help the Mayor reach his aim for all deaths and serious injuries from road collisions to be eliminated from London's streets by 2041. Removing these barriers will help achieve the Mayor's ambitious target that 80 % of all trips are made on foot, by bike or public transport by 2041, which will help reduce congestion and improve air quality. Will Norman, London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: "Waterloo roundabout is currently one of the most dangerous junctions in London, so it's great news that we can progress with our plans to improve it. We're going to transform this intimidating junction, making it safer and more pleasant for all those who use the area. By creating people-friendly streets, we can encourage many more Londoners to walk, cycle and use public transport, improving our health and air quality." Leon Daniels, Managing Director of Surface Transport, said: "I'm extremely pleased that by working with the local community and business groups we're able to confirm work will start in early 2020 at Waterloo Roundabout and Waterloo Road - but that we're also continuing to work with the community to ensure the work meets their needs. Projects like this can help create a better London less dependent on the car, where public health is improved, the creation of new homes and jobs are supported and where everyone can travel in a healthy, affordable and accessible way."
TfL and Lambeth Council's transformation of the Waterloo area will:
Create a new large public square by closing the south west corner of the roundabout
Return safer two-way traffic around Waterloo Imax
Introduce safer segregated cycle lanes around the Imax
Widen footways and improve a pedestrian crossing
Improve the bus station on Waterloo Road
In addition to these changes, the area will be decluttered and there will be an overall increase in the area's greenery.
