Islington Labour has celebrated the opening of the newly transformed Highbury Corner, alongside the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.  

The opening marks the culmination of years of work by the Council, Transport for London and the local community to bring about much-needed change to this important transport hub. This work included replacing the bridge that holds up the A1 that was built around 170 years ago. 

The new junction includes better, wider pavements outside the station, a smart new area for people to walk and sit and new access to the arboretum, with its botanical collection of trees and green space previously cut off behind traffic.  

There are also new high-quality segregated cycle lanes and better pedestrian crossings, which encourage more cycling and walking in the area, taking more cars off the road and improving air quality.  

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: 

“What may seem to some as just a change to a road layout, in fact represents so much more. The transformation of Highbury Corner is a vital part of our bold action to make Islington a safer and easier place to walk and cycle. It is the latest step in a sustainable transport revolution in Islington. 

“We are determined to make transport in Islington healthy, fair, accessible and enjoyable as a central part of our commitment to further reducing car use, tackling air pollution and helping Islington become carbon neutral by 2030.” 

Cllr Richard Watts, Leader of Islington Council, said:  

“I want to thank local residents and businesses for their patience during this disruption, but I hope they will now agree that it was very much worth it. 

“I am proud we are transforming this central part of Islington for the benefit of local people for years to come.”