Motorists in East London are being warned to prepare for significant travel disruption throughout January 2026, as a series of planned road closures come into force across the borough of Tower Hamlets.
Weeks of Disruption for Key Routes
According to data from the official roadworks website one.network, seven separate closures are scheduled, impacting areas from Canary Wharf to Whitechapel. While some works will last for just a single day, others will see roads shut for several weeks, with one major closure not due to finish until Spring 2026.
The scale of the works means drivers will need to seek alternative routes to avoid delays. The closures are set to affect a mix of residential streets and key thoroughfares, with multiple projects concentrated in and around Bethnal Green and Whitechapel.
Full Schedule of Closures and Works
The planned closures, their locations, and their purposes are listed below. Residents and commuters are advised to check timings carefully before travelling.
- Cuba Street, Canary Wharf: Closed from January 5 to January 16 to allow for new electrical connections as part of a housing development.
- Vyner Street, Bethnal Green: Closed from 8am on January 7 until 6pm on January 17 to facilitate the use of a cherry picker.
- Globe Road, Mile End: This road will see two separate closures. The first is for highways resurfacing from 8pm on January 19 until 6am on January 22. A second closure for street works will then take place on January 31, from 8am to 5pm.
- Roman Road, Bethnal Green: Closed from January 19 to January 22 for highways resurfacing works.
- Fordham Street, Whitechapel: Closed from January 20 to February 4 for general roadworks.
- Sidney Street, Whitechapel: Facing the longest closure, this key route will be shut from January 26 through to March 17 for extensive roadworks.
Planning Ahead for Travel
The consecutive and overlapping nature of these closures, particularly in the Bethnal Green area, is expected to cause considerable congestion on surrounding roads. Globe Road in Mile End, which runs between Bethnal Green and Stepney Green, will be affected twice in a short period, adding to the complexity for local traffic.
Transport for London (TfL) services, including buses, are likely to be placed on diversion, so passengers should allow extra time for their journeys. The advice from authorities is clear: drivers must plan ahead, use real-time traffic apps, and consider using public transport where possible to navigate around the affected zones throughout January and beyond.
