Merantun Way/Station Road Safety Improvements

What are we doing?

On Merantun Way, at the Station Road crossing, we are delivering works to:

• Widen the existing toucan crossing to improve it for both cyclists and pedestrians
• Increase the amount of waiting space for both pedestrians and cyclists by building out the pavement on both sides. This is also intended to reduce traffic speeds on the approach to the crossing
• Create an additional 3.2‑metre gap (which will be divided by a bollard) in the adjacent Grade II listed wall, providing more space for both cyclists and pedestrians to travel between Merantun Way and Station Road and improving visibility, subject to the relevant permissions
• Add green infrastructure and sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), such as raingardens, subject to further investigation

On Station Road, we will:

• Install a new raised table on Station Road to encourage vehicles to reduce speeds near a busy area used by pedestrians and cyclists
• Create a widened shared space for both pedestrians and cyclists on approach to the uncontrolled crossing

You can find out more about what we will be doing below. If you have any questions, you can ask them here or email us.

Why are we doing it?

Merantun Way forms part of the A24, part of the Transport for London Road Network. The Merantun Way corridor currently lacks footways along the main alignment, although there are three north–south crossing facilities (including the Station Road crossing) along its length.

The Station Road crossing presents accessibility challenges due to the very constrained space, particularly under the arch. Pedestrians and cyclists access Station Road via Merantun Way using the existing pedestrian crossing and then via a narrow 1.7m arch in a stretch of Grade II listed wall (a replica of an original entrance to the former grounds of Merton Priory). This arch also provides access between Merantun Way and the Wandle River trail, creating an area of conflict between pedestrians and cyclists at a location which already has high demand.

In Summer 2024, there was a fatal collision at the Station Road toucan crossing, involving a pedestrian and three other people injured while waiting. As a result, works to improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists around the Station Road crossing are being taken forward as a safety imperative.

Additionally, recent and future developments in the area, including the Harris Academy school and the upcoming 42 Station Road development, have increased the need for a safer route for pedestrians across the junction.

The improvements will benefit the area, particularly for vulnerable road users who may find the existing crossing difficult to navigate.

What will the impacts be?

The scheme will not affect traffic flows but is designed to encourage vehicles to slow down on the approach to the improved crossing.

The project will provide more space for both pedestrians and cyclists around the crossing, including through the new gap in the wall. Works to the wall will be carried out considerately and with all relevant permissions, given its listed status.

When will we start to build it?

Works are planned to start in late 2026 and are expected to take around 18 weeks. This may change due to unforeseen circumstances, and we will notify local residents and stakeholders in advance of the works commencing.