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A40 Westway shut for five weeks in major TfL safety works
- Perry Richardson
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Transport for London will close the A40 Westway between the A40 Westway Roundabout and the Marylebone Flyover from 20 March until late April to carry out what it describes as essential safety-critical renewal works.
The closure will affect one of the capital’s busiest strategic roads, which TfL says is used by up to 96,000 vehicles a day. Diversion routes will be put in place for the duration of the works, with TfL warning that surrounding local roads are expected to be significantly busier and that journey times are likely to increase.
The programme involves replacing two expansion joints on the Marylebone Flyover section of the A40 Westway. These joints allow the structure to safely expand and contract in response to temperature changes and vehicle movements. TfL said parts of the flyover have now reached the end of their service life, requiring full replacement to maintain long-term structural integrity.
TfL confirmed that the work is complex and specialist in nature and requires a complete carriageway closure. Because of the design of the structure and the methods involved, the road cannot be partially reopened while the work is under way. The authority said it reviewed a range of delivery options and concluded that a full closure was the quickest and safest way to complete the repairs.
Major west London route to shut from 20 March to late April, affecting up to 96,000 vehicles a day and 33 bus routes
The timing of the works has been planned to reduce disruption where possible. TfL said part of the closure will coincide with the Easter period, when traffic levels are typically lower, and that the schedule has been coordinated to avoid clashes with other major roadworks on the network.
Despite this, TfL acknowledged the impact will be substantial. A total of 33 bus routes will be affected, with services diverted or altered during the closure. A comprehensive temporary traffic signal strategy will be introduced and monitored throughout the works in an attempt to keep traffic moving on surrounding routes.
Road users who rely on the A40 Westway to travel into central London are being advised to plan ahead and consider alternative routes or modes of transport. TfL said that for shorter journeys, walking, cycling or using the Tube is likely to be quicker and more reliable during the closure period.
Stuart Harvey, TfL’s Chief Capital Officer, said: “The A40 is a key artery in west London and it’s vital that we ensure it is well maintained for the tens of thousands of people who use it each day. This essential work will allow the flyover to continue to be used safely for decades to come. I’d like to thank people in the area for their patience during these works and would encourage everyone to plan ahead for any journeys in the area, using alternative modes of transport where possible.“
TfL said it will provide ongoing updates on road conditions and travel advice throughout the works via its website and dedicated travel information pages.
