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 improve pedestrian and cyclist safety at these junctions.
The proposed layout is designed to reduce existing risks to cyclists, such as left turn, side swipes and left hook collisions.
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.
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 the upgraded pedestrian crossings on Great Eastern Street, motorised traffic would no longer be able to turn left from Great Eastern Street into Curtain Road and from Curtain Road into Great Eastern Street to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. Cyclists would still be able to turn left at these junctions.
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 the crossings 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.
Concern that the proposed layout does not do enough for cyclist (i.e. not fully segregation, no feeder lanes to advanced stop lines)
Cyclist safety is a key priority, and we are committed to developing and implementing ambitious projects to provide a safe, high-quality cycling network.
The proposed scheme introduces a safer layout for cyclists by reducing the risks associated with left turn and side swipe collisions, common cycling-related incidents.
Safety audits have been conducted to assess and validate the safety of the proposed design changes. Due to space limitations, cycle feeder lanes cannot be provided consistently throughout the junction, and they pose challenges to the pedestrian safety benefits.
We do recognise the demand for east west cycling connections and while there are no immediate plans for segregated cycling on Great Eastern Street, we are currently focusing on other new Cycleway routes in the area, which may include the Shoreditch High Street and Great Eastern Street junction .
What are the impacts on parking/ loading?
There are no proposals to change the current loading and parking arrangements although the existing loading/blue badge holder parking bay at 10 Great Eastern Street would remain in place, and it would be built into the pavement.
When will you have proposals for the Great Eastern Street and Shoreditch High Street junction?
TfL is asking residents to give initial thoughts on improving road safety at the junction of Shoreditch High Street and Great Eastern Street. A significant number of people have been injured at the junction and TfL are designing proposals to improve safety in the area. TfL will use any feedback received to help develop a more specific set of proposals for improvements to the junction. A further consultation will be held in 2025 with more details on proposed improvements for the junction.
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 Curtain Road 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 2026.
