Gower Street transformation to fully two-way to traffic almost complete

Another key milestone will be achieved this May in the progress of the West End Project when Gower Street, between Grafton Way and Euston Road, becomes two-way for all traffic from Saturday 21 May.

This means the whole length of Gower Street/Bloomsbury Street will now be permanently two-way to traffic.

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 of Gower Street to two-way traffic is another important step as the West End Project comes closer to completion.
“This now means that two-way traffic will run the length of Gower Street and Bloomsbury Street between Euston Road and Shaftesbury Avenue.
“In advance of these final changes the council will be working on Gower Street and the Euston Road slip road to make changes to the road markings over the weekend of the 14 and 15 May.”
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet member for a Sustainable Camden

Preparation works over the weekend of the 14 May include:

  • Works to change road markings on the Euston Road slip road outside UCLH and Gower Street between Hampstead Road and Grafton Way as well as on Tottenham Court Road close to Warren Street underground station.
  • Local traffic diversions including bus diversions. All westbound bus stops directly outside UCLH will be closed. Buses will be diverted down Gower Street and Grafton Way.
  • A lane will be left open for traffic moving east on the Euston Road slip road, Gower Street southbound will also remain open.

Councillor Harrison continued:

“I would like to remind pedestrians of the important need to look both ways when crossing Gower and Bloomsbury Street.

“There are a number of pedestrian crossings along the road which I would encourage people to use, including a brand-new crossing between UCLH and Euston Square underground station. We will also have stewards on the street to remind people of the change for the first few days as well as Transport for London staff to assist drivers.

“I would like to thank Grafton Way residents in particular for their patience in having larger than usual amounts of traffic on their road until we could make this final two-way change.”

Other developments, as part of the West End Project, that are nearing completion include the public realm works at Centre Point. This includes a new space around Tottenham Court Road Tube station and neighbouring developments. Mature trees have been added alongside seating and a public space for outdoor events is being created.

The final improvements as part of the West End Project are now underway at Princes Circus with the full rejuvenation of the space including plants, trees and new paving, bringing life to this underused space. Work at Princes Circus is due to be completed by Spring 2023.

 

  • Should there be a need to postpone this change due to circumstances out of the council’s control, such as adverse weather, it will be advertised via the project website: www.camden.gov.uk/westendproject
  • If members of the public have any concerns during this time, they can contact the council on 020 7974 4444
  • For more information on the project please email: WestEndProject@camden.gov.uk  or visit the website: www.camden.gov.uk/westendproject where you can also sign up to our electronic newsletter.

Advice for pedestrians

Please take care when crossing Gower Street and Bloomsbury Street and remember to look both ways for traffic and bicycles. There are a number of pedestrian crossings along the road which we would encourage you to use. There will also be stewards on the street to remind people of the change for the first few days.

Advice for drivers

The road layout will have changed so please take extra care, take note of all signs and watch for pedestrians and cyclists who may not yet be used to two-way traffic.

There will be Transport for London staff on site to assist drivers for the first few days of the two-way traffic. In particular please note that you will now be able to travel north the full length of Gower Street and Bloomsbury Street. Drivers will also no longer be able to turn left, westbound, onto Euston Road from Tottenham Court Road – drivers should use Gower Street to access Euston Road westbound. Signage will be up on the roads to help you so please take extra time and care when driving in this area and follow all signage while you get used to the changes. Driving maps are also available on the project website.

Advice for cyclists

The road layout will have changed so please take extra care, take note of all signs and watch for pedestrians and drivers who may not yet be used to two-way traffic.

Cyclists are able to use the new segregated cycle lanes on Gower Street and Bloomsbury Street in both directions.

Northbound cyclists are advised to use Grafton Way to access Euston Road, in either direction, or Hampstead Road. There is no cycle lane on the final northern section of Gower Street, but Grafton Way has a separate cycle lane and Tottenham Court Road has a bus and cycle only lane.

When using these lanes please be aware of loading vehicles pulling in and out of the integrated timed loading bays, which can be used between 10am and 2pm for loading. Tottenham Court Road also has areas restricted to buses and cyclists only Monday – Saturday 8am -7pm.

TFL have quiet cycle routes listed on their website. To explore these visit www.tfl.gov.uk/maps/cycle

To learn to cycle for the first time, improve your cycling skills or for a free bike loan to help get you on your way visit: www.camden.gov.uk/cycling