Update: Putney Bridge roadworks

The essential work will upgrade the traffic signals across the junction, making the area safer for all road users. A key element of the project is to streamline the pedestrian routes, making it quicker and easier to navigate the junction on foot. By removing some of the pedestrian islands, people will be able to cross in fewer ‘stages’ – reducing the amount of time needed to cross and reducing dangerous instances of people being tempted to cross while on a red man signal.

Recent steps to improve traffic flow

Councillor Jenny Yates, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We know that Putney Bridge is a really busy part of our borough, and completing any kind of roadworks here is extremely challenging. However, the works desperately needed completing, and we have worked closely with TfL to plan the traffic management, and minimise disruption as much as possible.

“In response to your questions and suggestions, we’ve taken several steps since the week commencing 7 October to ease traffic flow as much as possible. This includes reopening a lane of traffic, planning more Sunday working and working at night where possible, but we have to balance getting the work done as fast as possible whilst not causing too much disruption to residents overnight, as some of the works can be very noisy.

“Of course we are really sorry about disruption caused to residents and I am so appreciative of their patience as we complete this essential work.”

The most disruptive works for traffic flows were planned to take place over night, with four nights carried out so far and a further two due over the coming weeks.

Following completion of a stage of works, a lane has been reopened on the Lower Richmond Road which was previously reduced to just one lane.

More signs have been put on the bridge to allow car drivers to get in the correct lane sooner, rather than needing to do last minute merges. As drivers have got used to the new layout, the traffic monitoring has seen improvements in congestion and journey times across the junction.

The temporary signals on site at present are the most effective system on the market and are linked to TfL’s Urban Control Centre, which enables them to adjust signal timings to keep traffic moving efficiently in real-time.

Ahead of schedule

Councillor Jenny Yates added: “Work has progressed well on site, and we remain slightly ahead of schedule. We’ve got the maximum number of workers on site that’s safe given the constrained working area and they’re doing 7am to 7pm on weekdays plus 8am to 6pm on Saturdays. Sunday working is more restricted due to permissible working hours but whenever it is beneficial to do so, it will take place.”

Listening to you

Following feedback regarding bus services the Council has liaised with TfL to reopen the bus stops at the northern side of Putney Bridge.

Some of the works which have already been completed as part of this project include widened and renewed pavements, improvements to roads approaching the junction, installing cycle lanes, upgrading street lighting, removing unnecessary street clutter, and steps to improve the air quality.

The works on Putney Bridge are part of our Decade of Renewal, a £100 million investment in our roads and pavements. The work is being paid for by property developers, allowing the Council to improve the borough without increasing Council Tax.

Read more about Putney Bridge.