New plans to improve safety and transform one of the busiest parts of the Capital have been published by Transport for London (TfL) and Islington Council. A consultation is now underway on plans for Highbury Corner, which would see the western side of the roundabout completely removed and replaced by a major new public space.
Removing the western side of the roundabout would allow a two-way traffic system to be introduced with improved pedestrian crossings. It would also allow new segregated lanes for cyclists to be created as, despite a lack of facilities, they now make up 22 per cent of all traffic using the roundabout. The improvement work is part of TfL's £4bn Road Modernisation Plan to radically transform the way the Capital's roads and public spaces are used.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said, "Highbury Corner heaves with hundreds of thousands of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians every day. It is a challenging area to navigate but the changes we are proposing will be a vast improvement, particularly for the many thousands of passengers who disgorge onto the pavement from Highbury & Islington station; and also for the cyclists who will find new segregated cycle lanes and signalised crossings that will make the area far safer for them."
The work proposed would make the area a more accessible place by:
- creating two linked public spaces, including a new square in front of the station by closing the western side of the roundabout
- improving pedestrian facilities to allow more people to move around Highbury Corner safely and directly, including widened crossings at the junctions of Holloway Road, Canonbury Road and Upper Street
- boosting cycle safety though the provision of new segregated cycle lanes on all three remaining sides of the road layout
- changing the current one-way gyratory into a two-way traffic system
Leon Daniels, managing director of Surface Transport at TfL, said, "Our proposed improvements at Highbury Corner would radically change this area from a traffic thoroughfare to a place to visit, and provide safer routes for those who do. The improvements would help us deliver our aim of eradicating death and serious injury from London's roads and encouraging more people to walk and cycle. We look forward to hearing people's views on our proposals."
Claudia Webbe, Islington Council's executive member for environment and transport, said, "This scheme will transform an area that is currently congested for pedestrians and difficult to navigate for cyclists. We aim to create an open, attractive and pleasant area that reclaims the enclosed trees from the traffic island for people to enjoy. Alongside this will be a much safer road environment for cyclists, creating a unique destination around one of Islington's major transport interchanges. We are looking forward to hearing the public's views on these proposals - including the options for opening up access to the trees and green space - and will work with TfL to get the best out of the area for residents, visitors and all road users."
