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| Queues on the A1 in Archway shortly after midday today |
Work to remove the gyratory system at Archway roundabout has led to
“nightmare” journeys the day after motorists and bus passengers were
warned they face 18 months of delays.
Twitter users complained of “massive traffic jams” today in north
London as Transport for London start construction on replacing the
one-way junction with a two-way road layout.
The £12.8 million project involves closing the road outside Archway
Tube to create a pedestrian link with the Archway Tavern pub and a new
public space in the centre of the “island”.
Islington Council promised disruption would be kept to a minimum as
the work coincided with month-long gas works further along Archway Road
but drivers have been advised to avoid the area.
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| Mapped out: A TfL graphic showing the planned improvements |
TfL also tweeted to say some buses had been delayed by up to 30 minutes because of roadworks in Archway.
Francesca Tortora wrote: “Have you intentionally tried to shut down
North London? Works on the A1 bad enough + Archway roundabout?!”
While Gemma Decent said: “day 2 of #Archway travel nightmare. Will I be able to get a bus?”
Another Twitter user posted: “Massive traffic jams in Archway
yesterday as roadworks start - better to walk or take tube if possible.”
TfL warned the new layout would cause delays for northbound traffic particularly in the morning.
The changes were supported in a TfL consultation in 2014 but a third
of motorists and 18 per cent of Tube passengers said they would make
journeys worse.
Residents also claim more than 1,000 signatures have been collected on a petition against the scheme.
Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said:
“Archway residents, businesses and road users told us that they wanted
this antiquated road layout brought into the 21st century when we
consulted with them.”
And Mayor Boris Johnson added Archway had suffered from the “badly-designed relic” of a junction for far too long.
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