FAQs
- TfL would plan construction carefully to minimise disruption to those who live, work and travel through the areas
- We will carry out extensive communications and engagement with local residents, cyclist groups, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure they have the information they need to plan ahead and adapt their travel arrangements where necessary, reducing any impact on their journeys and operations during the construction period
- We also routinely provide road traffic information to help people better plan their journeys and make informed choices about how, where and when they travel
- Carriageway resurfacing works are likely to take place at night
- To facilitate construction, loading and parking bays may need to be temporarily suspended at points during the works
Why are we doing this?
The scheme aims to make it easier, safer and more comfortable to walk, wheel and cycle in the area.
The new pedestrian crossings would make it safer to cross the roads and existing crossings will be deepened to create more space for all vulnerable road users. Our proposals also address the causes of collisions at the junction of Shoreditch High Street and Great Eastern Street.
Reducing road danger for people cycling and walking remains TfL’s priority and our Vision Zero approach, which aims to eradicate deaths and serious injuries from our roads.
What are the impacts on traffic?
To provide a safer environment for those that are walking, wheeling, and cycling, the left turns from Shoreditch High Street into Bethnal Green Road would no longer be permitted, and Plough Yard and Holywell Lane would be closed to general traffic. General traffic lanes will also be reduced in number along Shoreditch High Street.
All other movements through the area would still be possible in the new road layout, but it might be necessary for road users to take a different route. The proposed changes were described in the consultation materials. These changes are necessary to allow safety improvements to be delivered.
Our modelling shows that the changes we propose would not have any discernible impact on journey times. We believe we can deliver these safety improvements and new crossings while minimising the impact on existing road users.
What are the impacts on parking/ loading?
Hollywell lane would still be open to loading from 10:00 - 16:00.
There would also be no motorised traffic access allowed from Plough Yard into Norton Folgate, with no exceptions for loading.
Aside from these changes, there are no planned changes to parking and loading in the area.
What is a cycle gate?
A 'cycle gate' is a design used to separate the movements of cycle traffic and motor traffic at busy junctions. It is effectively an Advanced Stop Line, but with a physically separated lead-in cycle lane, with signals for entry into the ASL area. Cycles are held at a red signal while motor traffic flows through the junction and then get a green to enter the 'reservoir' area, from which they proceed ahead of motor traffic.
What is a toucan crossing?
A toucan crossing is a pedestrian crossing that allows cyclists to cross the road at the same time.
What about construction?
During the construction phase, customers living in the area immediately surrounding the works site may be subject to noise and residual dust and vibration resulting from construction work. These works can be noisy, so there will be an impact on local residents or those with mobility impairments, carers and parents with children and buggies while they take place. Journeys through and around the area are likely to be affected during construction.
If we go ahead with proposals for the Shoreditch High Street and Great Eastern Street junction, we will carefully consider feedback from this consultation and use it to help with the detailed design proposals. This process can take some time, to ensure we get it right. We would look to start construction from 2027.
