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Construction work on a new 3.5km cycle route between Acton and Wood Lane is set to begin next month, with the aim to make cycling and walking safer and easier in Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham.
Work on the route, which includes a new two-way cycle track separated from traffic and pedestrians, will begin on 18th March and is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Several improvements have been incorporated in the final plans following feedback from local residents and visitors, including extending the two-way cycle track from Glendun Road to Savoy Circus, as well as widening crossing points to allow people walking and cycling to cross side roads more safely.
The new £10 million route is part of the Mayor of London’s investment in cycling and walking, designed to help create ‘Healthy Streets’ across the capital, which enable people to walk, cycle and use public transport more often.
The scheme will create a new two-way cycle track separated from traffic and pedestrians between Savoy Circus and Kathleen Avenue. The project will also see the shared cyclist and pedestrian space on the southern side of the A40 between Savoy Circus and Wood Lane improved.
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: "I’m delighted that construction on this protected route will start in just a few weeks’ time. Together with the recently announced 7km route between Kensington Olympia, Hammersmith and Brentford Town Centre, it will transform cycling in West London and help expand our network of cycle routes across our city.
"We know that there is high demand for cycling in the area and the improved plans will deliver further improvements for walking and cycling, helping reduce car use which is crucial to cleaning up London’s toxic air."
Nick Fairholme, TfL’s director of programme and project delivery, said: "The new cycle route between Acton and Wood Lane will boost safety for people cycling and walking and help to clean up the area’s air.
"The route is part of our wider plans to grow the cycle network both in west London and across the capital so that even more people are able to enjoy the freedom and health benefits that cycling can offer. I’d encourage people in the area to plan ahead and to allow more time for their journeys whilst construction work is taking place."
