London Bus Delays Force Redesign of Wandsworth Bridge Road Transformation
A major road transformation project in West London has been significantly delayed and forced back to the drawing board after Transport for London (TfL) expressed serious concerns about potential impacts on bus journey times. The ambitious scheme, which aims to turn Wandsworth Bridge Road from a busy highway into a vibrant high street, was originally scheduled to begin construction in August of last year but has yet to start.
Council Forced to Revisit Design Stage
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has confirmed it has had to "return to the design stage" for its planned upgrades to Wandsworth Bridge Road, a key thoroughfare in south Fulham. This redesign comes following crucial consultation with TfL, a statutory requirement because the road forms part of London's Strategic Road Network. The council failed to consult TfL initially, contributing to the project's delays alongside a high volume of public feedback.
Internal documents released through a Freedom of Information request reveal that TfL privately raised alarms about how the proposed changes might lengthen bus travel times along this important corridor. In response, the council has developed a "revised approach to the programme" that it has since shared with the transport authority.
Original Vision and Planned Improvements
The council first unveiled its transformation plans in July last year, with works initially slated to last approximately one month starting August 18. The proposed upgrades were part of the broader South Fulham Clean Air Neighbourhood initiative, which has already seen traffic cameras installed on adjacent streets to deter rat-running by out-of-borough drivers.
The original design for Wandsworth Bridge Road included several significant improvements:
- Installation of four raised zebra crossings to enhance pedestrian safety
- Creation of new cycle hire parking bays to support active travel
- Replacement of the existing parklet at the Ryecroft/Bovingdon crossing with an extended kerb featuring communal seating, greenery, and planters
- Designation of specific loading bays for local businesses
New Integrated Approach Emerges
Following its internal review, Hammersmith and Fulham Council has adopted what it describes as a "single integrated programme" that brings together the Wandsworth Bridge Road project with the wider South Fulham Active Travel Network. According to correspondence between the council and TfL, this unified approach aims to strengthen technical consistency, operational robustness, and shared understanding of constraints—particularly those affecting bus operations.
A council lead engineer explained in February correspondence that "the proposals for crossings and their locations are to be reviewed" as part of this new direction. The council plans to work closely with TfL to explore whether controlled crossings could form the earliest deliverable elements of the scheme while ensuring they remain consistent with the broader corridor vision.
Updated Programme Direction and Timeline
The council's revised approach focuses on several key areas:
- Improving pedestrian safety along Wandsworth Bridge Road
- Implementing measures to support traffic reduction
- Identifying opportunities for greening and environmental enhancements
- Ensuring seamless integration with the wider South Fulham Active Travel Network
Minutes from a March meeting between TfL, Hammersmith and Fulham, Richmond, and Wandsworth councils outline an amended approach featuring "rationalised and better-distributed crossing provision," reconfigured northern and southern junctions prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, greening upgrades, and improved cycle lane crossings for better network connectivity.
Controversial Parklets and Political Dimensions
The temporary parklets installed along Wandsworth Bridge Road have proven particularly controversial, with some local residents expressing frustration and the Hammersmith and Fulham Conservative group pledging to remove them if they win in the upcoming May elections. One councillor previously described the parklets as turning the road into an "obstacle course."
TfL has requested that the council present a monitoring strategy for the existing parklets scheme at their next meeting. The transport authority and council are also planning a site visit to assess the proposed changes firsthand.
Council Commitment and Interim Measures
Despite the delays and redesign, Hammersmith and Fulham Council remains committed to its vision. A council spokesperson stated: "We remain committed to working collaboratively with our residents and businesses, through consultation and engagement, to transform Wandsworth Bridge Road from a highway into a high street that is vibrant and more accessible—a place of which we can all be proud."
The council now plans to bring forward an "updated corridor vision" in the second half of 2026, with delivery of controlled crossings expected by late 2026. In the interim, the authority will install new bins and declutter pavements to make the street more attractive to shoppers and residents.
The council spokesperson added: "We are currently revisiting and refining the vision for the entire length of Wandsworth Bridge Road in partnership with Transport for London." This collaborative approach marks a significant shift from the initial rollout, which proceeded without proper consultation with the transport authority responsible for London's bus network.
