Traffic Switches Over in South Kensington
11 August 2009
Council delivers first phase of traffic improvements as part of
Exhibition Road project
Following months of preparation, The Royal Borough of Kensington
and Chelsea will this week implement a number of traffic
improvements around South Kensington as part of the scheme to
transform the famous Exhibition Road area into a spectacular space
for all to enjoy.
The Council is removing the outdated one-way traffic system
around South Kensington Underground Station in order to create
large pavement areas and improve conditions for both drivers and
pedestrians.
In order to implement these changes, starting this Sunday 16
August, traffic flow along Cromwell Place north of the junction
with Thurloe Place will change from two-way to one-way northbound.
On Thurloe Place the section between Cromwell Place and Exhibition
Road is switching from its previous one way eastbound set up to a
two-way traffic flow. Exhibition Road, south of Thurloe Place will
be restricted to access only and Thurloe Street will be closed to
traffic at its junction with Thurloe Place, providing a welcome new
space for the large number of pedestrians coming out of the
northern exit of the underground station.
Cllr Paget-Brown, Cabinet Member for Transport, Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea, said: “The Exhibition Road area is one of
the most important cultural destinations in the country and we
experience over 11.5 million visitors to the area every year. We
are making the changes to traffic flows in the area, in order to
improve road safety and make people’s experience of Exhibition Road
more enjoyable – whether they are a driver or a pedestrian.”
The contractor, Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering, is carrying
out the changes on behalf of the Royal Borough on Sunday between
6.30am and 8.30am, when traffic flows are at their lowest, with
every effort being made to minimise noise and disruption whilst the
switchover is underway.
Further changes to the road layout south of the station will
take place in a few months time and the full traffic management
works in South Kensington are still expected to be fully complete
by late 2009.