Transport for London (TfL) is set to commence the next phase of improvement works on the A23 Streatham Hill at the end of June, implementing temporary traffic restrictions. Starting Monday, June 29, phase four of the project will involve constructing new central islands as part of a broader transformation of the road.
Safer Crossings and Traffic Separation
The new central islands are designed to provide safer waiting areas for pedestrians crossing the road and help separate traffic flows. The improvements include protected cycle lanes, new pedestrian crossings, and continuous bus lanes, aiming to reduce road danger and make it safer and easier for people to walk, cycle, and use public transport.
Overnight Closures and Traffic Restrictions
Overnight closures will be in effect between 10pm on Sunday, June 28 and 5am on Tuesday, June 30, spanning the area between Christchurch Road and Sternhold Avenue. These closures will occur over two separate nights: from 10pm on June 28 to 5am on June 29, and from 10pm on June 29 to 5am on June 30. The first closure will affect the southern section of the scheme (Sternhold Avenue to Telford Avenue), while the second will cover the northern section (Telford Avenue to Christchurch Road). These closures are scheduled during the summer period when traffic levels are typically lower, and they have been timed to avoid other major roadworks where possible, minimizing disruption.
From 5am on June 29 until August 2026, traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction. Daytime works for this phase are expected to be completed by August 9, followed by overnight resurfacing works later in August.
Advice for Travelers
People traveling in the area are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys. Temporary changes will include bus stop relocations, side road closures, pedestrian diversions, and parking suspensions. TfL encourages walking, cycling, or using public transport during this period and suggests drivers consider alternative routes.
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, stated: "The A23 has a poor safety record, with a high number of collisions in recent years, leading to injuries and fatalities. These improvements to cycle lanes, bus lanes, and crossings will enhance safety for everyone and help us achieve our goal of eliminating deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads."
Julie Lewington, TfL's Head of Programme Delivery, added: "We are making significant progress on transforming the A23 in Streatham Hill to make it safer for all travelers. This next phase is a key step in delivering new pedestrian crossings, protected cycling space, and more reliable bus journeys. While we have mitigated disruption as much as possible, we know the work will cause inconvenience, particularly with traffic reduced to one lane each way, and we ask people to plan ahead and allow extra travel time."
Safety Record and Coordination
The improvements are part of TfL’s plans to make the A23 safer. The road has seen 72 collisions in the three years to October 2024, resulting in 75 injuries, making safety a key priority. TfL will monitor traffic conditions closely throughout the works and make adjustments as needed, including changes to traffic signal timings to manage congestion and support bus reliability. The full programme is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
Separately, Southern Gas Networks (SGN) plans to undertake work on a poor-condition gas main in Brixton Hill. By coordinating these works, the wider area will experience disruption over a shorter period. Roads will be very busy during this time. TfL is collaborating with SGN to minimize disruption, with work expected to start this summer. From September 2026, TfL will begin the final phase of work north of the A205 junction on A23 Brixton Hill.
TfL is working closely with Lambeth Council and local stakeholders to keep the public informed through regular updates, on-street signage, and online travel advice. More information is available on the TfL website.
