Major Road Works Begin on A23 in Streatham Hill
Motorists and residents in south London are preparing for significant disruptions as major road works begin on the A23 in Streatham Hill. The £9.5 million refurbishment project aims to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users. However, these improvements come with a cost—long delays and traffic restrictions that could affect daily commutes and local businesses.
The A23 stretch between Holmewood Road on Brixton Hill and Sternhold Avenue on Streatham Hill will undergo extensive changes. This includes the removal of the old central reservation, the installation of new pedestrian crossings, the addition of a protected cycle lane, and the improvement of bus lanes. These upgrades are expected to make the busy route safer and more user-friendly for all road users.
Starting from Monday, August 4, traffic will be restricted to fewer lanes in both directions, which could lead to “significant delays” in the area. While some preliminary works on the new road layout will begin next week, they are not expected to impact traffic flow. During the construction period, parking along the A23 will be suspended, and bus stops will be temporarily out of action. The project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2027.
Despite the planned improvements, local campaigners have expressed concerns about the potential impact on businesses and daily commuters. Neil Salt, a resident and chairman of Streatham Action, highlighted the worries of local business owners. He noted that many businesses could face significant challenges due to the disruption and urged authorities to consider compensation for those affected.
Salt also pointed out the historical issues on the A23, emphasizing that while there were no fatalities between 2014 and 2024, the road has recorded numerous collisions. Official data shows that the road, which is the second longest in Europe, had 72 crashes over three years from October 2021 to October 2024, resulting in 71 injuries. This highlights the need for the safety improvements.
The road’s design has long been a concern, particularly in central Streatham, where it narrows through the area. Salt described the road as having a motorway-like feel on top of Brixton Hill, encouraging drivers to speed up. However, the road narrows past the Odeon cinema, creating dangerous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, the presence of a bus station and multiple bus stops adds to the complexity of the road environment.
The A23 has a troubling history of accidents, including fatalities. In December 2023, a cyclist was killed after a crash with a TfL bus. In June 2021, a bus passenger died near Streatham Bus Station after being knocked over. Another tragic incident occurred in December 2007 when a woman was killed after a lorry hit her bike at the junction of Streatham Hill and A205, a known hotspot for collisions.
Data from CycleStreet shows 33 collisions involving cyclists at or near this junction alone. Alongside the fatal 2007 crash, there have been three serious injury crashes and 29 minor injury collisions at the A205 junction. Further south, Streatham Hill has seen at least six serious cyclist crashes and 40 slight injury crashes in the last two decades.
Salt has called on TfL and Lambeth Council to remain flexible during the works, especially during peak times in the spring and summer of next year when only one lane will be available through Streatham. He emphasized the importance of adaptability to minimize the impact on residents and commuters.
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, praised the collaboration between TfL and Lambeth Council. He expressed delight that the project has received positive feedback from the community, with many residents supporting the proposed improvements. The new scheme is expected to enhance connectivity to transport hubs, schools, and green spaces, contributing to a better London for everyone.
Rezina Chowdhury, deputy leader of Lambeth Council, welcomed TfL’s efforts to minimize the impact on the area during the construction. She acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in the project’s benefits for the community.
As the works begin, residents and businesses are advised to plan accordingly and stay informed about the ongoing developments. The goal is to create a safer, more accessible road network that serves the needs of all users in the long term.
