Blueprint to make Woolwich a better place for cyclists and pedestrians

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

Transport for London (TfL) has revealed plans to redevelop Woolwich town centre in a project to make streets and roads safer for commuters.

The transport authority announced on January 15 that it had planned to extend cycling facilities between the Woolwich Ferry roundabout and Plumstead in a series of changes planned for the area.

TfL said in a statement: “We have been working closely with the Royal Borough of Greenwich since 2018 to develop projects that would make it safer and easier for local people to walk and cycle.”

The plans would see a new two-way cycle track along the A206, also known as Plumstead Road, Victory Parade and Beresford Street.

There would also be a new westbound bus lane in the road between Macbean Street and the Woolwich Ferry roundabout,  alongside a new cycle lane between Maxey Road and Burrage Road.

A new signalised pedestrian crossing would also be added to the road at its junction with Woolwich New Road. The existing crossing in the area would be moved further east to accommodate the changes.

Cycling would also be allowed in Powis Street in Woolwich town centre under the new plans, connecting the Woolwich Ferry roundabout to the A206 via new cycle lanes in Macbean Street. Powis Street could also see a widened footpath, as well additional seating and planting.

Other changes to bus services include a bus stand replacing bus stop C in Woolwich High Street and merging four stops along the A206 to form a bus stop bypass, allowing a cycle track to go behind a new bus shelter.

Greenwich council is reportedly investigating whether a taxi bay could be added beside the Elizabeth Line station in the area.

Tfl said: “The changes we propose would make streets in the area safer, helping meet our Vision Zero target, as well as being more pleasant by enabling people to walk and cycle more.

“Our proposals would help us to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, which could improve local people’s health. It would also address congestion and help support new developments planned across the wider area by providing better walking and cycling links to local businesses and stations.”

The consultation on the project is open until February 25 and can be found on the TfL website. An engagement event for the public to speak to staff about the changes is also planned for February 8 at the Woolwich Elizabeth Line station.

Picture top: Victory Parade, beside the Woolwich Elizabeth Line station. (Picture: Joe Coughlan)