Islington Labour councillors have welcomed the progress of the creation of a new public space in Archway and removal of the gyratory, which are part of transformation works from Transport for London (TfL).
For years, local councillors have been campaigning for the gyratory’s removal, which will create a new public space and two-way traffic system, along with cycle lanes and improved pedestrian crossings. The new public space is expected to be open at the end of April.
Since the works were announced, Islington Labour councillors have been continually pressing TfL to introduce measures to mitigate any negative impact of the transformation works for residents and passengers. This has led to some significant concessions from TfL, so that this major transformation of the area maximises the benefits for everyone.
As a result of ongoing campaigning by Islington Labour councillors, TfL have agreed to:
- Monitor and review putting bus stops at other locations, so that route destinations and stop locations work for passengers
- Review the location of bus stops and arrange for them to be moved as necessary and appropriate. This includes reviewing the location of the bus stop serving bus 41 to provide a better interchange and bus stop access for elderly and disabled passengers
- Reroute certain buses to terminate at Whittington Hospital and/or St John’s Grove near Upper Holloway station
- Introduce new clearer signage in the area and deploy uniformed transport information helpers, to help residents and visitors for the duration of the works and beyond
- Introduce ‘live’ next bus information boards at Archway station, and countdown signs at a number of bus stops around Archway
- Introduce a clean bus fleet at Archway as quickly as possible and ensure bus drivers comply with Islington Council’s anti-engine idling agenda
- Take action now to design out crime and anti-social behaviour, including rubbish at bus stop locations
- Undertake traffic modelling once the works are complete and take corrective action if there are significant increases in traffic volumes on local roads
- Allow residents to take ownership of the look and feel of the new public space
- Monitor and review the information arrangements for cyclists whilst the public square is being built, and take action to eradicate any pedestrian and cyclist conflict once built
- Provide a modest improvement to the Archway station façade
- Support the Council on planting at Pauntley Street and additional trees and hedges to mitigate the effect of the bus stands
- Consult on and implement road safety and air quality improvements on Vorley Road, including a road build-out in front of the children’s centre and planting trees and shrubs
- Consult and reach a resolution on the Despard Road loading bay
Claudia Webbe, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: “The removal of the gyratory represents the greatest transformation of Archway in a generation, which will lead to new jobs, investment and improved safety. That is why Islington Labour has been calling for this change for years and we are pleased to see it is nearing completion.
“We have consistently put passengers and residents first in our negotiations with TfL, and will continually hold the organisation to account to ensure the scheme is the very best it can be. The concessions we have won from TfL and the changes the Council has implemented will benefit all who use the new public space.”