Motorists and residents in the London Borough of Brent are facing significant travel disruption this January, with a series of major road closures set to take effect for essential utility works. Streets in Wembley and Willesden are scheduled to be shut for periods exceeding two months, although there is some relief as other long-standing closures are finally due to end.
Long-Term Closures and Key Reopenings
According to data from the official one.network roadworks portal, analysed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the new year brings a mixed picture for Brent's roads. While new, lengthy closures are beginning, several others that have plagued residents for months are nearing their conclusion.
In a positive development for the Park Royal area, Abbey Road is expected to reopen on January 31, 2026. This route has been closed since July 28, 2025, for water infrastructure upgrades. Similarly, Wharton Close in Willesden is scheduled to reopen on January 23, ending a closure that began on October 6, 2025, also for water works.
However, these reopenings are offset by the start of new, protracted disruptions. Notably, Crawford Avenue in Wembley will close from January 28 and is not set to reopen until March 27, a closure of approximately two months for essential water works. Broadfields Way in Willesden faces a similar fate, shutting from January 5 until March 16.
Full List of January Disruptions
The planned and ongoing road closures for Brent throughout January are extensive. Some will only affect overnight travel, but many will see roads fully closed for weeks or months, necessitating significant detours.
The major scheduled closures include:
- Braemar Avenue (Wembley): Closed from January 13 to 16 for water works.
- Crawford Avenue (Wembley): Closed from January 28 to March 27 for water works.
- The Fairway (Sudbury): Closed from January 8 to 16 for electrical works.
- Abbey Road (Park Royal): Closed since July 28, 2025, reopening January 31, 2026, for water works.
- Cumberland Avenue (Park Royal): Closed from December 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, for water works.
- Park Royal Road (Park Royal): Closed from January 29 to 31 for telecoms works.
- Oak Grove (Cricklewood): Closed from January 2 to 12 for gas works.
- Broadfields Way (Willesden): Closed from January 5 to March 16 for water works.
- Wharton Close (Willesden): Closed from October 6, 2025, to January 23, 2026, for water works.
- Beaconsfield Road (Willesden): Closed from January 5 to February 23 for water works.
- Deacon Road (Willesden): Closed from January 5 to March 22 for water works.
- Acland Road (Willesden): Closed from January 5 to February 16 for water works.
- North Circular Road: Closed from January 23 to 30 for water works.
Impact on Residents and Travel Advice
The scale of these works is likely to cause considerable traffic congestion and disruption across the borough. Drivers are strongly advised to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time, and follow the signed diversion routes that will be in place.
Residents living on or near the affected roads will need to seek alternative routes for their daily commutes and errands. The cumulative effect of multiple closures in areas like Willesden could lead to increased traffic on surrounding residential streets, so all road users should exercise patience and caution.
While the closures are necessary for vital upgrades to the water, gas, and telecoms networks, their duration underscores the scale of infrastructure investment underway in Brent. Authorities are urging everyone to stay informed via official channels like one.network to navigate the disruptions over the coming months.
