TfL progresses with work to make Battersea Bridge safer three years after death of jogger
Transport for London (TfL) is moving forward with its next phase of plans to make Battersea Bridge safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
An 11-month programme of improvements to pavements and traffic signals as well as changes to the road layout at several junctions along the south and north side of the river will begin on November 1.
TfL brought forward plans to improve safety on the bridge following a campaign, led by journalist Rob McGibbon and other groups, after the death of Jack Ryan on Battersea Bridge on January 13, 2021.
Mr Ryan, 29, was struck by a Range Rover at the junction near the northern end of Battersea Bridge while he was jogging.
Mr McGibbon, 59, said: “I am delighted to hear about the road safety improvement works that TFL is about to undertake in Battersea. It is a testament to the tenacity of everyone who was involved in countless meetings that these changes are finally happening.
Penny Rees, TfL’s head of healthy streets investment, praised campaigners for their work in developing the proposals.
She said: “We have seen large reductions in collisions at other junctions where we have introduced similar improvements, and hope these works will make a real difference to the safety of people walking and cycling in the local area.”
The first phase of work on the north side of the bridge was completed in November 2021, and included a new pedestrian crossing, wider pavements and a new lower speed limit of 20mph.
Following public consultation in late 2022 and early 2023, TfL will install three new controlled crossing points, improve cycling facilities, create two new sections of bus lanes and build out two corners at the Cheyne Walk junction to increase pavement space and encourage lower speeds.
New signalised pedestrian crossings will also be installed at the junction of Battersea Bridge Road and Prince of Wales Drive, and at the southern end of Battersea Bridge and road markings throughout the Battersea Bridge area are set to be improved.
Construction work is planned to finish in autumn next year.
While work is being carried out, there may be some delays on roads and on several bus routes. TfL has advised people to plan ahead and use alternative routes where possible. The latest status updates will be available on the TfL website for both buses and roads.
The latest works form part of TfL’s Safer Junction programme to improve safety in areas across London with higher-than-average collision rates. Making roads and junctions safer is also a key part of the Mayor’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury on the transport network by 2041.
Pictured top: Battersea Bridge (Picture: Google Street View)