Plans to ‘transform’ Hammersmith Gyratory have been announced.

Transport for London (TfL) and Hammersmith and Fulham Council want to install cycle and bus lanes as part of a range of major improvements to the junction.

A public consultation has now begun with TfL hosting three exhibitions in the coming weeks.

Recent figures show almost a fifth of morning rush hour traffic at the road section is made up of cyclists, but the gyratory has no dedicated cycling facilities.

TfL say the plans would boost safety at one of London’s most intimidating junctions, while London Mayor Boris Johnson said the plan would “greatly improve the area”.

The transformation of Hammersmith gyratory would include:

  • 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

Improving conditions for cyclists on the Hammersmith gyratory would remove a large barrier to cycling along a key commuter corridor in west London, and improve local journey times, it is hoped.

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

Boris said: “We want to completely overhaul this stretch of road and make some serious improvements for pedestrians, bus users and cyclists.

"Our proposals would greatly improve the area for everyone using it and I hope we’ll see a positive response to our consultation.”

John Griffiths is chairman of London Cycling Campaign’s local group hfcyclist. He welcomed the plans and 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.

"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.”

An artists impression of the proposals at the Hammersmith gyratory junction with Shepherds Bush Road (looking West) (Pic: TfL)

He believed there were a few areas of improvement that cold be made and hoped these would be ironed out during the consultation, and added: “It is unfortunate that some pedestrian space has been lost, as we consider them our friends in our battle for a livable human scale environment.

"But overall this is a major improvement for the town centre and I hope it all goes through.”

Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL , said: “By redesigning Hammersmith gyratory, we can remove a barrier not only to cyclists but those who might want to cycle in west London.

"Our proposed safety improvements could transform the area and help deliver our aim of eradicating death and serious injury from London’s roads.”

Cyclists using the Hammersmith gyratory, such as this one, could have a separate cycle lane to use in the future

And transport head at the council Wesley Harcourt said: “Many cyclists find the Hammersmith gyratory intimidating and addressing this was one of the key elements of our Cycling Strategy launched last year.

"These new proposals would provide riders of all abilities with a safer, more direct route.”

TfL is holding public exhibitions at St Paul’s Church Hammersmith , Queen Caroline Street on:

  • Thursday February 18 - 3pm - 7.00pm
  • Saturday February 20 - 9am - 12 midday
  • Saturday March 5 - 9am - 12 midday

Work on the improvements, subject to consultation, could begin in 2017.

It is part of a £4 billion Road Modernisation Plan overseen by the mayor and TfL that aims to transform the way the capital’s roads and public spaces are used.

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