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Transport for London (TfL), and Islington and Hackney Councils have started work at Old Street to remove the ‘outdated’ 1960s roundabout and create a ‘transformed environment’ for safer cycling and walking.
The work will see the northwest arm of the roundabout close permanently to all traffic, creating a new public space with better walking and cycling access to Old Street station.
Traffic will operate two-way through the re-designed junction, with fully segregated cycle lanes and cycle-only traffic signals.
Some of the subways around Old Street will also be closed and replaced with new surface-level pedestrian crossings.
The transformation is expected to be complete by the end of 2020.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I announced over the summer that I wanted to see improvements at Old Street brought forward, and I’m delighted that work to transform the junction has now begun.
“Old Street is one of the busiest junctions in London, but is currently an outdated roundabout that needs to be made safer for the thousands of people who pass through it every day.
“New segregated cycle lanes will transform safety for cyclists, and new pedestrian crossings and a new public space will make Old Street cleaner, safer and more pleasant for everyone spending time in the area.
“Every death or serious injury on London’s roads is one too many, and the improvements at Old Street are part of our ambitious plans to improve road safety all across London.”
Councillor Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a polluted, outdated junction so that priority and space is given to people instead of vehicles.
“This will contribute towards Old Street being a great place to live, work, study and visit with significant safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, public transport users, and people who live and work nearby.
“Known around the world, Old Street is evolving and this bold transformation will create an attractive place to enjoy, walk, cycle and spend time making it fit for the future.
“And together with our plans for an ‘Iconic Gateway’ at Old Street, this transformation will meet the increased demand for high quality public spaces.
“In partnership with Hackney Council and the Mayor of London we will work closely with TfL to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.”
