Lambeth bridge is to undergo a major safety transformation after its northern roundabout became the most dangerous junction in London for cyclists.
Transport for London has approved a scheme that will replace the roundabouts at either end of the bridge with new traffic light junctions that include “early release” signals for cyclists and protected cycle lanes.
It marks more than a decade of campaigning for improvements to the bridge and its approach roads. Previous schemes were ditched because of concerns they would delay traffic.
In April 2015, cyclist Moira Gemmill, 55, a prominent designer who had worked for the Queen, died in a collision with a tipper truck on the northern roundabout. The driver was later cleared of causing death by careless driving.
A “distinctive” palm tree in the centre of the northern roundabout, at the Millbank end of the bridge, has to be removed in November before the work to remodel the junctions can start.
The tree is due to be replanted in Churchill Gardens in Pimlico. If the tree is not removed during the planting season – giving it the best chance of surviving in its new location – TfL says the work will be delayed by a year.
The main construction work is due to start next spring. The northern roundabout is one of the mayor’s 73 junctions earmarked for safety improvements.
The coroner at Ms Gemmill’s inquest only decided not to issue TfL with a prevention of future deaths notice after being assured that changes were imminent.
The southern junction, described as “large and intimidating”, is the 52nd most dangerous in London. TfL says it “undoubtedly creates a negative perception of safety” and is a “barrier to east/west and north/south cycling”.
The scheme will also replace temporary anti-terrorist barriers on the bridge with permanent bollards. The bridge deck will be repaired and waterproofed to safeguard its long-term future. The work could last three years.
TfL expects the cyclist priority measures to have less of an impact on motorists as the number of vehicles using the bridge has reduced at peak times since the pandemic.
The scheme was approved by TfL’s programmes and investment committee on Thursday.
David Rowe, TfL’s interim director of investment delivery planning, told the committee: “At its heart, the scheme is about delivering much needed safety improvements. Lambeth Bridge north is the most dangerous junction in London for cycle collisions.
“This is a comprehensive [scheme] on both sides of the river as well as on the bridge itself. The roundabouts on either side of the river are replaced by signalised junctions with dedicated cycle facilities and protected cycle lanes.
“At the same time as doing the works to improve safety, we are undertaking refurbishment of the bridge deck, and also doing security measures on the bridge. At the moment, there are temporary measures in place – those will be made permanent.
“The works are supported by Lambeth [council] as well as by Westminster [council]. There is a keen desire on both sides of the river for this to move forward.”
TfL board member Lynn Sloman said: “Lambeth bridge is like a hole in the cycle route network. It’s really good that we are at the point of trying to do something about that and trying to tackle safety issues.”
