Gower and Bloomsbury Street transformation completed in Camden’s West End Project

Another key milestone will be achieved this February in the progress of the West End Project (WEP), when Gower Street and Bloomsbury Street both become two way for vehicles on Sunday 28 February.

As the largest transformational scheme in the borough, the West End Project is changing not just how people travel in the Tottenham Court Road area, but how it looks and feels. Issues, which have affected the area for some time, are being addressed, including traffic congestion, a lack of public open space and poor air quality.

“The transformation to Gower Street and Bloomsbury Street is another important step as the West End Project comes closer to completion. 
“As well as the work to turn the street two way for vehicles, new segregated cycle lanes will also open on Gower Street and Bloomsbury Street making it safer for cyclists to travel around the area.
“This work connects with improvements on Tottenham Court Road, which from Monday 1 March has sections which can be used by cyclists and buses only at key times. This will further improve the area for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing congestion and making the area safer.
“I would also like to remind pedestrians of the important need to look both ways when crossing Gower and Bloomsbury Street. Please use the new crossings that have been installed, or if crossing at another part of the road, being aware of people using the new cycle lanes.
“We will have stewards in the area to remind people of the changes for the first few days as well as TfL staff to assist drivers.”
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet member for a Sustainable Camden
Tottenham Court Road traffic restrictions related to the West End Project will also be implemented at this time. Between 8am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, sections of Tottenham Court Road will be for the use of buses and cyclists only.

Councillor Harrison continued:

“We ask that drivers take their time when moving around the area while they get used to the changes, paying attention to and following all road signs. To help we have created travel maps which are available online.

“As well as the changes to the road layout, all the Gower and Bloomsbury Street improvements will also be finished at this time, so pedestrians can enjoy the new pavements, paved in high quality York stone, whilst a new diagonal crossing at Tottenham Court Road tube station will be added this year.

“The next stage of work is to complete the new green and public spaces including the transformation of a road into a park on Alfred Place and the new public space at Princes Circus.”

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said:

“We know just how important it is to make sure streets in Camden and beyond are safer, less congested and more welcoming to people walking and cycling.

“These latest changes as part of the TfL funded West End Project, including the new segregated cycle lanes on Gower Street and Bloomsbury Street, will make a real difference to people moving around the area.

“Walking and cycling have been absolutely vital to enabling Londoners to get around safely during the coronavirus pandemic and we’ll continue to work closely with Camden Council on further measures to create much needed extra space across the borough.”

Tony Dougal, Eurovia Contracting Project Lead, said:

“We have worked as delivery partners with London Borough of Camden and Norman Rourke Prime since the start of the West End Project.

“This is exactly the sort of local, community-led scheme we love to deliver. The changes implemented here will shape how local people and visitors to the West End use this space, which is a really exciting project to be part of.

“Working as one team, we have adapted the delivery plans to keep local people and our workforce safe during the current pandemic. My thanks go to everyone involved in this project who have made it such a success.”

  • On Sunday 28 February 2021 we will be working to turn Gower Street and Bloomsbury Street two way between Grafton Way and High Holborn
  • New cycle lanes along Gower Street and Bloomsbury Street will also be open. When using these lanes cyclists should be aware of loading vehicles pulling in and out of the integrated loading bays
  • On Monday 1 March 2021 the new traffic restrictions will come into place on Tottenham Court Road. Areas will be restricted to buses and cyclists only Monday – Saturday 8am -7pm. Maps of these restrictions can be found on our website.
  • Businesses on Tottenham Court Road will be able to use the new loading bays. There is a guide for businesses and delivery drivers on our website.
  • The project was approved in 2015 and Camden Council has been working in partnership with Transport for London, Crossrail, City of Westminster Council, BeeMidtown, The Fitzrovia Partnership and London First. The council received over 1,000 responses to the original consultation from residents,

Related Posts