Published: Tuesday 30 November 2021
Work is now complete on safety improvements to Battersea Bridge, following a campaign by residents and campaigners.
Transport for London (TfL) has installed new signalised pedestrian crossing on the north side of the bridge, making it safer and easier for people to cross. The pavement area on both sides of the road has been widened, adding tactile paving to improve accessibility. The existing banned right turn from Cheyne Walk to Battersea Bridge Road will be enforced 24 hours a day and the speed limit on Chelsea Embankment has been reduced from 30mph to 20mph.
The improvements come following the death of Jack Ryan, who was tragically killed on the bridge earlier this year in a collision with a vehicle. Residents and campaigners have been raising concerns about the bridge for some time, supported by councillors.
Cllr Johnny Thalassites, lead member for environment, planning and place, said:
“We needed this crossing badly and it’s a relief that it is now built. I’m grateful to the residents and campaigners who played a crucial role in making this happen and we’ve been right behind them every step of the way. We’ll keep working with TfL and our communities to make our streets safer, cleaner and greener.”
Nick Fairholme, TfL’s Director of Project and Programme Delivery said:
“Making London’s streets safer is a top priority for us and we are absolutely committed to making the capital’s roads safer for everyone.
“I’d like to thank local safety campaigners and the local community for working with us to develop these proposal and would also like to thank people in the area for their patience while construction work took place. We will continue to work closely with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and other partners on further safety improvements within the area, as part of our Vision Zero commitment to eliminate death and serious injury on London’s transport network.”
Chelsea resident and journalist Rob McGibbon led the campaign for a crossing to be installed after witnessing the aftermath of the accident in which Jack Ryan died on 13 January. He said:
“I feel no sense of celebration now that the crossing has been installed because it came out of such an appalling tragedy. I am pleased that everyone pulled together to help make it happen. I am particularly grateful to Transport Commissioner Andy Byford and his team for making this crossing possible in such a relatively short time. It has been welcomed by so many people and will make a huge difference.”
Read our previous update online.