Concerns over the loss of a pedestrian crossing outside Hammersmith Broadway as part of plans to improve the gyratory system have been made, getwestlondon understands.

Transport for London (TfL) announced plans this month to improve the notorious stretch of roads by adding cycle and bus lanes and launched a public consultation.

The first of three exhibitions was held at St Paul’s Church on Queen Caroline Street on February 18.

An artists impression of the proposals at the King Street junction with Hammersmith gyratory (looking North East) (Pic: TfL)

Initial plans would see the removal of the pedestrian crossing over Hammersmith Broadway at the south end of Shepherd’s Bush Road.

In its consultation documents TfL says: “Although the crossing is less well-used that others in the area, its removal would mean pedestrians would have to find alternative routes... Pedestrians using these alternative routes would experience increases in travel time across Hammersmith Broadway.”

The improvements are aimed to reduce conflicts between cyclists and other road users. TfL says its proposals “allow general traffic and buses to move smoothly through the area whilst providing dedicated space for cyclists".

  • A segregated two-way cycle track on the north side of Hammersmith gyratory
  • Cyclist-specific signals at junctions to separate cyclists and motorised vehicles
  • An increase of cycle parking
  • Pedestrian countdown signals at the crossings of King Street, Beadon Road, Shepherd’s Bush Road, Queen Caroline Street , Hammersmith Road and Butterwick
  • Widened sections of footway on King Street to provide more space for pedestrians
  • A new bus lane on Beadon Road between Glenthorne Road and Hammersmith Broadway to improve bus reliability

The proposals were welcomed by John Griffiths, chairman of London Cycling Campaign’s local group hfcyclist. He said: “This is the first time that this council has considered giving safe space for cyclists at the expense of some traffic lanes in places.

How the new Hammersmith gyratory could look (Pic: TfL)

“It will do a lot to encourage cycling and hopefully get people out of their cars for short journeys. It should improve the air quality in Hammersmith.”

Two more exhibitions will take place at the same venue from 9am-midday on February 24 and March 5.

Members of the public can respond to the Hammersmith gyratory consultation, which closes on March 15, by going to the online consultation page.