Work to transform world famous Baker Street and Gloucester Place to make them healthier, safer and more welcoming roads has begun.
The Baker Street Two Way project aims to deliver an improved experience for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing the dominance of traffic, adding greenery and ensuring the streets are safer and easier to access.
The project is focused on turning the roads of Baker Street and Gloucester Place, currently a one-way gyratory, into two-way flow.
Work will be completed in phases in order to mitigate any potential disruption, with work to Gloucester Place, Blandford Street and two other junctions started on Monday (July 24) morning.
Work is expected to finish by early 2019, with shops and businesses in the area remaining open during the construction period.
The project is led by Westminster City Council and Transport for London (TfL) and supported by The Portman Estate and Baker Street Quarter Partnership.
A ground-breaking ceremony, led by Cllr Robert Davis MBE DL, deputy leader and cabinet member for business, culture and heritage at Westminster City Council, marked the start of the works.
Cllr Davis said: “Today we reach a major milestone in the realisation of the Baker Street Two way project which, when complete, will transform the area and provide residents, businesses and visitors with a vastly improved environment in which to work, rest and play.
“This is, quite rightly, a place to be proud of.
“From the famous wax models of Madame Tussauds, to the birthplace of cricket and of course the world’s first consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr Watson , the area is awash with history and should be celebrated and promoted.”
During the first phase of works, which will run to December, temporary travel changes will apply.
These will include lane closures, access arrangements, turning restrictions and some parking, loading and bus stop suspensions.
As a result the area will be busier than usual and you should plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.
At the same time, Thames Water plan to replace a water main along Baker Street and Park Road, with work also due to commence on Monday and lasting around four months.
This will also cause lane closures and other temporary changes will apply.
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