A segregated cycle lane at Hammersmith gyratory could pave the way for a new cycle superhighway running to Hounslow .

The major overhaul of the road layout at Hammersmith Broadway is designed to improve safety at what transport chiefs described as one of London's busiest and "most intimidating" junctions.

Transport for London (TfL) says the modifications will remove a "serious barrier" to cycling, bringing the long-awaited Cycle Superhighway 9 between Hounslow and Kensington Olympia a step closer to fruition.

The alterations are set to go ahead after receiving overwhelming public backing, with nearly 80% of respondents saying they were in favour during a consultation on the proposals.

Work will 'transform the area'

Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said:

"The gyratory is currently a serious barrier to cyclists and removing this block from riding through Hammersmith and improving pedestrian facilities will help transform the area."

Transport for London says the changes to Hammersmith gyratory will remove a 'serious barrier' to cycling

As well as a 750-metre segregated two-way cycle track on the north side of the gyratory, the transformation will include:

  • a new eastbound cycle track along King Street, to enable onward connections on the A315 corridor
  • eight cyclist-specific signals at junctions to separate cyclists and motorised vehicles
  • 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

TfL said it would look into retaining a pedestrian crossing between the south side of Hammersmith Broadway and Shepherd's Bush Road, in response to public feedback.

Construction is due to begin next summer and is expected to be completed in summer 2018.

How the road layout at Hammersmith Broadway looks now

TfL says work will be carried out at night when possible to minimise disruption.

The changes have been welcomed by Hammersmith and Fulham Council, and HammersmithLondon BID, which promotes business in the area.

'Navigating gyratory can be a daunting prospect'

Patricia Bench, director of HammersmithLondon BID, said: "As a cyclist, navigating the Hammersmith gyratory can be a daunting prospect so we are very happy that TfL has listened to local residents and businesses, the people who use this junction on a daily basis, to form their proposals."

The gyratory is on the route of the proposed Cycle Superhighway 9, which would run along the A315.

The route was initially intended to run from Hounslow to Hyde Park, but it is now expected to end at Kensington Olympia following objections from Kensington and Chelsea Council.

Work on safety improvements at Hammersmith gyratory is due to begin in summer 2017

Hounslow Council wants the route to be extended to Heathrow, encouraging more staff and short-haul travellers to cycle to the airport.

CS9 was originally scheduled for completion in 2014 but TfL says it is still in the "early stages of design".

Consultation is due to take place next year about plans for a continuous cycle route stretching the full width of Hammersmith and Fulham borough.