Old Street roundabout is to be transformed into a pedestrian square under new plans outlined by Transport for London.
The junction, known as London’s technology hub, could be completely replaced in a bid to make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
The plans are being introduced as part of a £4bn road modernisation programme and are in reaction to the large amount of accidents on the roundabout. Some 44 people have been injured in collisions there during the past three years.
Designers will be focusing mainly on paving the north-western side of the roundabout creating a new central public space. Old Street station will also have a new entrance.
Five new pedestrian crossings are planned and cyclists will benefit from segregated cycle lanes and cyclist traffic lights.
The design has been praised by Transport for London bosses, who have claimed that it will reduce traffic accidents on the “crucial gateway to Tech City”.
Islington Council’s executive member for environment and transport, Cllr Claudia Webbe, said: “positive changes to the access and roads at Old Street are badly needed to improve safety and travel.
“The council, local residents, cyclists and businesses have long campaigned for the radical transformation to this extremely busy, complex roundabout.”
“@islingtongztte: TfL release first images of new-look for Old Street roundabout http://t.co/3SAHpfuQSp” we back consultation towards change
— Claudia Webbe (@ClaudiaWebbe) November 13, 2014
However, there has been a mixed reaction from cyclists, who make up a third of the roundabout’s traffic. John Ackers, a spokesperson for the Islington Cyclists’ Action Group, welcomed attempts to make the “dangerous” junction safer for cyclists.
He said: “The new design has protected space for cyclists which we very much like. It should encourage new cyclists. “However, some existing fast cyclists will probably be unhappy about the additional delays caused by the introduction of more lights.”
still no #space4cycling on Old Street itself in TFL’s plans @acasalotti pic.twitter.com/WYlhn16nw8
— Hackney Cyclist (@Hackneycyclist) November 12, 2014
Donnachadh McCarthy, of the campaign group Stop Killing Cyclists, criticised the decision to not overhaul the entire junction.
He said: “The new segregated cycle lanes and three protected left-hand turns will crucially reduce danger from HGVs.
“However, it is inexplicable that 50 per cent of the left-hand turns and the northern-side City Road cycle lane remain unsegregated.”
Mayor Boris Johnson welcomed the plans as part of a scheme to make London’s roads safer: “We are progressing at full steam with our plans to redesign some of London’s most dangerous junctions, and Old Street roundabout is next to be completely overhauled.
“These plans will dramatically improve safety for the thousands of cyclists and pedestrians using the junction, and also make it easier to access Tech City, which continues to nurture upcoming technology and creative talent from around the world.”
Public consultation on the plans is open until January 11 2015.
Digital journalist student Interactive Journalism at City University London.
@AshleyKirk92