Transport for London (TfL) is making progress with its plans to enhance safety on Battersea Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. The upcoming 11-month project will focus on improving pavements, traffic signals, and road layouts at various junctions on the north and south sides of the river, starting on November 1.
The decision to prioritize safety measures on the bridge came after the tragic death of Jack Ryan, a 29-year-old jogger who was fatally struck by a Range Rover at a junction near the northern end of Battersea Bridge on January 13, 2021. Following the incident, journalist Rob McGibbon and other advocacy groups campaigned for improvements in the area.
Penny Rees, TfL’s head of healthy streets investment, expressed gratitude towards local safety campaigners and the community for their collaboration in developing the proposed enhancements. She highlighted the positive impact of similar safety measures at other junctions and expressed hope that the upcoming works would significantly improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in the vicinity.
The initial phase of enhancements on the north side of the bridge was completed in November 2021 and included the installation of a new pedestrian crossing, wider pavements, and a reduced speed limit of 20mph. Further improvements, based on public feedback from consultations held in late 2022 and early 2023, will involve the installation of three controlled crossing points, upgrades to cycling infrastructure, expansion of bus lanes, and modifications to increase pavement space and promote lower speeds at the Cheyne Walk junction.
Additionally, new signalised pedestrian crossings will be implemented at key junctions, such as Battersea Bridge Road and Prince of Wales Drive, to enhance safety. Road markings throughout the Battersea Bridge area will also be enhanced as part of the project. The construction is scheduled to be completed by autumn next year.
During the construction period, disruptions may occur on roads and bus routes in the area. TfL advises commuters to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative routes whenever possible. Updated information on the status of bus services and road conditions will be provided on the TfL website.
These ongoing efforts align with TfL’s Safer Junction programme, which aims to reduce collision rates in high-risk areas across London. Improving road safety is a crucial component of the Mayor’s Vision Zero initiative, which seeks to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on the transportation network by 2041.
The planned enhancements on Battersea Bridge reflect a commitment to creating safer and more accessible infrastructure for all road users, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts between authorities, advocacy groups, and local communities to promote a culture of safety and responsibility on London’s roads.
