When Islington and Hackney boroughs began construction on Old Street roundabout in May 2019, it meant that vehicles lost the ability to turn right, rendering the term ’roundabout’ technically inaccurate.
That work – which promised a revitalised space with improved cycle lanes, new crossings for pedestrians and lifts from station, plus more – was due for completion in December 2020.
As we know, many a barrier has been faced during this time, the main obstacle being the pandemic, which delayed work due to lockdown and social distancing, and led to financial difficulties for TfL.
Now, it has been confirmed that work will be completed at the beginning of 2024, with parts of the project slated for completion as early as this summer. TfL announced the revised completion dates today (February 21), and it’s hoped that, once completed, the area will be “a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone”.
What changes are coming to Old Street Roundabout?
So, the closed arm at the northwest of Old Street roundabout is staying that way. Traffic will no longer flow down this side, with a new public space open to those passing through the area with better-functioning cycling and walking access to the Tube station.
There will be fully-segregated cycle lanes and cycle-only traffic signals across the re-purposed junction, with new pedestrian crossings to make that amble to the station a little bit faster and little less treacherous. These two areas of the project could be completed by this summer.
Upgrade work to the station is also being carried out, with two new passenger entrances and new lifts arriving at Old Street. TfL hope work will be fully complete by early 2024.
Nick Fairholme, TfL’s Director of Capital Delivery, said: “Our work to transform Old Street will be a huge boost to everyone who travels to the area, making sustainable journeys by public transport and on foot or by bike much safer and easier.
“We’re working hard to complete the project as quickly as possible and are sorry for the disruption this delay will cause to people in the area. I’d like to thank everyone in the area for their patience during this work and we’ll continue to work closely with Islington and Hackney Councils, local residents and businesses to ensure everyone can benefit from these changes as soon as possible.”