Works have now commenced on the A23 Streatham Hill between Streatham Hill Station and Holmewood Road off Brixton Hill (where the A23 narrows after you have crossed the South Circular. Major road works will cause potential delays for both local and through journeys until the Spring of 2027. Lane closures are already in place and there may be further overnight road closures causing bus diversions (the 109 I travelled on from Brixton back to Streatham on the night of Monday 4th August turned down the South Circular to Tulse Hill, through West Norwood, up Knights Hill to Crown Point and then down Leigham Court Road).
During the works, some bus stops may be suspended or relocated. All journeys are expected to take longer during the period of the works. So, if you are travelling by bus or by car towards Brixton or Central London during the period of these works, you must allow more time for your journey.
Transport for London (TfL) claim that this “transformational scheme” is intended as part of “a wider scheme to improve the A23” by “improving cycling and walking conditions with new pedestrian crossings and a protected cycle route”. It includes a two-way cycle lane along the northbound side of Streatham Hill (meaning that cyclists would have to cross the busy A23 at both ends!) and pedestrians, especially those with disabilities, will have to put their lives in their hands to cross that cycle lane to reach the floating bus stop on the northbound carriageway.
As far as I am concerned, this whole scheme will cause more accidents, cause significant longer-term delays resulting in more stress and frustration for all road users, and can only be described as “transformationally ludicrous”!
Simon Hooberman
Editor