ONE of the busiest and most hazardous roads in the entire borough looks set to get massive improvements following a decision by Ealing Council this week.

The cabinet met on Tuesday night to approve a report recommending improvement work to a stretch of Southall Broadway as part of a £4 million pound project.

The initiative, if successful, would improve the flow of traffic and also make it easier for people to walk along pavements, free from obstruction.

The report said: “The Broadway has the potential to be an economic and cultural driving force for Southall and west London more broadly. However, opportunity is constrained by the fabric of the street, its relatively poor appearance and safety in its daily use.

“Road accidents, particularly for pedestrians are disproportionally high in comparison with other roads in Ealing. Perceptions are of a street that is relatively low in quality compared with other centres in the region.”

Bassam Mahfouz. Ealing leader for transport and the environment, said there had been 49 casualties along that stretch of road last year alone, making work on the area a priority.

“We are looking at massive improvement work to the Broadway, from widening the pavements to having a better shopping environment. This will make it safer for pedestrians, better for traffic and help ensure people enjoy the experience of being in Southall.”

Key elements of the scheme include widening footpaths to improve the flow of pedestrians, a 20mph speed limit and parking bays for vehicles during peak hours.

There would be improvements to the visual character of the Broadway, making it more attractive for residents, businesses and visitors. Mr Mahfouz said: “Improving that environment is a major factor for us, and the idea is to make it somewhere that would draw in visitors from outside the area.”

Now that the report has been approved, the process begins of securing investment for the project. The council has already allocated £100,000 into a feasibility study.

It is hoped that funding for the scheme will come from Transport for London, the Mayor of London and the private sector. If the bidding process goes smoothly, the project would be completed by 2014.

A formal consultation on the initiative is due to take place in the spring of this year, once designs have been finalised.